BUDGET BONSAI: DIY Stands
by Al Keppler

BUDGET BONSAI: DIY Stands

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF in the building trade) is "the ticket" for easy construction of acceptable stands and slabs for bonsai. With a minimum of tools and work, one can saw shape and sand their way to show quality stands in no time, and with very little money upfront.


Simple hand tools are all thats required to make these stands. Some power tools make life easier, but they can be substituted with time and a little 'elbow grease.'

List of Materials:

• 1/4", 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" MDF
  These can be bought in smaller 2'x4' sheets at Home Depot or Lowes
• Tools: Hand saw, sanding block, coping saw
  Optional: Power sander, power saw, drill

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__________________
I been kidding the last seven years.
no.... really!

Al,
What dimensions are the legs?

Al,
The shohin stand turned out great. I am definately considering trying something similar.


Thank god for photo editing programs.

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Wow, Al!

You amazed me yet again. I guess it's time for me to head to HomeDepot.

Thanks,

Will

Al:

Thanks for the demo.

Could you tell us more about the "chain saw bit for your rt angle grinder, Is it the Artbortech?

If not, what?

(I'm a little at sea since Dale Cochoy's site is down for a redesign, and he's my main tool source.)

Bart, It's a tool called a lance a lot or circ chain. I bought mine at Harbor Freight for about 25.00. Slips right on the old grinder. Cool tool, carves dead wood on a tree in no time, and does not clog.


Charles, The stand measure 14" x 10" x 2". The legs are 1" square and 2" tall.

Regards, Al

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Close up

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Al, you really make it sound easy. Thanks for the walk through. You mentioned the use of glue. What type do you use?

David, Elmers dark glue for dark woods. The set time is really fast, its pre catylised and goes off so fast that I can power sand in an hour. Sometimes the stuffff is too fast. If I need more set time, I use gorilla glue, though I don't like poly-urethane type glues. They leave too much glue in the joint that has to be scraped off with a cabinet scraper.

I am eager to try a new glue that someone turned me on to. Its a glue used by luthiers (sp), (builders of guitars). Its hide glue. I have used this stuff in the past when refinishing wooden merry go round horses that were popular in the eighty's,. The hide glue used to give me a crackle finish on the paint for an antique look.

The glue is supposed to hold like hell on raw wood. I will try it and let you know.

simply brilliant Al.

Well done!

Paul