Cement slabs

patmac

I've thanked John Quinn in a PM but I would like to thank him again publicly. The article he took the time to write about constructing a cement slab was all the inspiration I needed.
The article is on the IBC site.
So far I have built 2 slabs and it's relatively easy and fun. I say relatively because I'm a long ways from perfecting what I'm envisioning as possible. My first slab, made a week ago, came out too heavy, too brown, too thick and according to my wife with too much resemblance to a cow plop. So much for being creative. The second one I did today and although it's true color won't be revealed until sometime tomorrow, I'm very pleased with the overall look so far. Much thinner! Hopefully it is strong enough.
This slab might be used this spring! I have an order with Bill Valavanis for 15 Dawn Redwoods to be delivered in April.
Anyways, If you have been thinking of trying this I would highly recommend it.

The wooden dowels are still in the cement (drainage/anchoring) on the charcoal slab and will not be removed for several more days. Both slabs are roughly 28" x 13".


P.S. I have invested approximately $59.00 (US) in supplies for 5 and maybe 6 slabs.

Attached Images

	IMG_1192.JPG (69.9 KB, 140 views)
	IMG_1199.JPG (67.2 KB, 111 views)
	IMG_1200.JPG (66.2 KB, 111 views)
	IMG_1208.JPG (68.1 KB, 110 views)
	IMG_1210.JPG (63.1 KB, 126 views)

Advertisement

ChrisM

thats pretty sweet. looks like i may have to try that after my wooden one is complete. thanks for the link.

chris

__________________
A bonsai is like a good marriage.You commit, for better or for worse, till death do you part. I DO!!!

patmac

Funny, when I read about your wood project I thought I would have to try that one also! Must be good old New England winter weather getting to us Chris!

ChrisM

that is soooooooo true!!! stuck inside, what to do? take out the tools and make something!! the wood one was/is fun, i have had the idea since recieving the dremel on christmas, finally got the time. let us know what happens with the slab, pics of the planting, etc.

chris

__________________
A bonsai is like a good marriage.You commit, for better or for worse, till death do you part. I DO!!!

Dale Cochoy

Chris,
Years ago my Biz partner and I Decided to make ciment fondue slabs to sell. Sold well, for a couple years. We used a silicon mold to reproduce. Strips of auto body repair fiber glass fabric to build on/reinforce. Kinda like paper mache'. But, I also made some nice mountains and scoops over window screen forms and hardware cloth forms . we used the strips on those also.
Here's a couple bad old pictures.
Dale

Attached Images

	Ciment Fondue scoops.jpg (55.7 KB, 105 views)
	Ciment Fondue mountains.jpg (34.8 KB, 123 views)
	Ciment Fondue slabs and molds.jpg (43.4 KB, 110 views)

__________________
________________________________
If you want to be Different....
You have to DO something Different!
__________________________________________

Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
but, they always seem to make the time to do it over again...
____________________________________________
Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio

ChrisM

dale, i like the small scoop, really nice form. thanks for sharing the pics

chris

__________________
A bonsai is like a good marriage.You commit, for better or for worse, till death do you part. I DO!!!

JohnQuinn

Pat, thanks for your kind words. Your slab project looks great!

I sorta' remember what winters are like, having gone to school in Syracuse for four years and growing up in NYC. But, today it was 68 and sunny (20C) here in SC.

Here's a New Year's image from the middle of last January, one of my Prunus mume ("Ume"), Japanese Flowering Apricots. It has not yet flowered this year, but is loaded with flower buds.
Plum (or Apricot), Pine and Bamboo are a traditional New Year display grouping in Japan, symbolising happiness, long life and virtue (Sho-Chiku-Bai).

Attached Images

ume105a.jpg (48.1 KB, 52 views)

__________________
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Interplast

Sivananda Center

mudmantoo

Attached Images

	penjing1.JPG (32.3 KB, 72 views)
	competition_penjing_002.jpg (21.6 KB, 92 views)

__________________
Treasure Coast Bonsai Society

http://www.artofbonsai.org/feature_articles/mudman.php

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATMudmen.htm

http://www.bonsaitalk.com/news/arti...0001/000191.htm

ChrisM

too many cool ideas............brain on overload..........must prioritize. lol!!! we have some pretty crafty people round here, giving me all kinds of ideas, now just to convince the wife that we have enough room to house it all !!

mudman, great stuff, looks good.

chris

__________________
A bonsai is like a good marriage.You commit, for better or for worse, till death do you part. I DO!!!