Make this turntable for grooming bonsai - Popular Mechanics

[jeanluc83]

I found an interesting design for a turntable from back when they actually showed how to build things in Popular Mechanics.

Popular Mechanics

It looks like it would work fine for smaller trees but with some modification it might work for larger trees too.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Is that you on the riding mower? Classic 1980's style!

I like that design - particularly the bar clamp. My only question would be - with a heavier tree - whether rotating the top would cause the pipe to slip. Any easy work-around (if this happens) is to put a lazy susan on the top, and use the pipe clamp for height only.

 

[RichS]

Yea I like this. Better then what I've been using. The bottom swivel off an old office chair. Complete with the little wheels since I couldn't get them off lol

 

[Anthony]

Sit and work. Cushion for small / medium plants and chair for
big plants.

Turn plywood to rotate tree.

 

[BigBen]

Very cool retro idea, indeed.

Here's what I did. It was a piece of cake, and not costly at all.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/my-adjustable-height-swiveling-tables-basically-finished.29410/

 

[michaelj]

I Googled the guy with the cheesy get-rich-quick ad to see if he ever went to jail.

Yeah, he did

http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141119541

and got sued and lost. A lot.

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/06/do_not_publish_benjamin_suarez.html

and the company eventually found itself in bankruptcy.

http://www.cantonrep.com/news/20170807/suarez-corporation-industries-files-for-bankruptcy

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I once made a TV stand by cutting 0.5cm deep circular grooves into two wooden boards, and then put some marbles in between. Not just some, I filled the grooves entirely for stability.
A bolt was used to keep the centers centered, the marbles acted like bearings. The top could rotate 360 degrees freely.
Add some legs, presto!
I'm thinking about making another for bonsai purposes. But for now my trees are far from needing that kind of 360 viewing.