bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Build an Inexpensive Bonsai Turntable

I cheated in a different way to develop my turntable. I wanted to be able to work standing up (since I have a lower back problem) and thought I might be able to do something with the tripod I use with my video camera. I went out to a local crafts store and bought a large (12") basswood bowl. I stained it a dark mahogany because I also use it as a display stand in my living room.

To the bottom (in the middle) I screwed a block of hardwood that has a slightly skewed edge on one side. This fits well into the quick release chuck that would normally hold the camera.

The reason I used a bowl is because I can keep my area fairly clean when I am pinching and pruning by dropping material into the bowl around my pot. I can adjust the height, and the tripod has the handle I can use to turn my work as well as a dog that I can use to brake or release the spinning.

Works for me!

5-Apr-2005	#40
DonRoche bonsaiTALK Craftsman Join Date: Feb-2005 Location: Wrentham, MA Country: USA USDA Zone: 6 AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 83	Another approach I cheated in a different way to develop my turntable. I wanted to be able to work standing up (since I have a lower back problem) and thought I might be able to do something with the tripod I use with my video camera. I went out to a local crafts store and bought a large (12") basswood bowl. I stained it a dark mahogany because I also use it as a display stand in my living room. To the bottom (in the middle) I screwed a block of hardwood that has a slightly skewed edge on one side. This fits well into the quick release chuck that would normally hold the camera. The reason I used a bowl is because I can keep my area fairly clean when I am pinching and pruning by dropping material into the bowl around my pot. I can adjust the height, and the tripod has the handle I can use to turn my work as well as a dog that I can use to brake or release the spinning. Works for me!