Page 63 - BSAM 2015 Q1

“Below is the finished table with the tree I had in mind. The table echoes the round feature of the bonsai container and the table is just the right size for this container.”
—BW
Photos and Text By Barry Walker, UK Presented by Kath Hughes, UK
Barry Walker, the creator of this stand and many others, all equally good, is not a trained carpenter by trade, but a retired lifelong firefighter who, following a major heart attack, decided to enjoy life to the full and learn new skills, to think positively and perhaps make a little cash en route. He is also a long-term enthusiastic member of our local bonsai society, who for many years of living in a fire fighters townhouse was forced to grow only small bonsai on a large balcony and has now moved into a house and garden where he is also progressing to larger bonsai. He is hoping to create stands for others who are too frightened to
tackle the learning curve to acquire this skill. Look for BW Bespoke Bonsai Stands on Facebook.
The tools and materials used were as follows. The hand tools are chisels, hand saw, craft knife, various clamps, sanding blocks, set square, ruler and tape measure. The power tools used were a drill press, drill, bench milling machine, router, bench sander and a scroll saw. Materials used were PVA glue, wax, wood stain, varnish, wire wool, and sand paper. Though several power tools were used they simply speed up the job but all of it can be done using only hand tools.
— Kath Hughes
Creating your own bonsai stands can be inexpen- sive and not difficult, as long as you have a few basic carpentry skills and tools.
It all starts at starts with the design stage; the stand you require may be a particular style you badly want and cannot find at a price you can afford, or one which you feel would just suit that special tree, but have been able to find for all your searching. This is where you become a bespoke builder. You can then, as I do, create a stand for every tree and pot you wish, in a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes you require.
The wood I use is from recycled old furniture, mostly over fifty years old, wood which is very stable, having done all the shrinking, twisting and so on that any wood will go through over the years. It is easy and very inexpen- sive to obtain because people are throwing out wooden furniture—not antiques—but old furniture discarded in favour of modern trendy, up-to-date pieces. Visits to local used furniture sales should see you set for a number of stands. However this wood can be a little harder to work, as it tends to be stronger and denser than new woods. This means your tools must be very sharp and you have to be careful with fine work as the old, well dried wood is also a little more brittle.
Making A Bonsai Table
April/May/June 2015 | BCI | 61
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