14 INTERNATIONAL BONSAI2005/NO. 1

A BONSAI WORKTABLEHYDRAULIC LIFT TABLE FOR BONSAI

Bonsai sometimes is said to be anexpensive hobby. Depending onone’s financial position this statementcan be more accurate than onemight like. As with most other thingsin life, it is usually best to minimizecost when possible to have theresources available when an expensive need arises.

My training as an engineer hasamplified my genetic tendency tofind the most cost effective solutionto any problem. My family woulddescribe this as being cheap. Theyare no doubt correct, but I do findsatisfaction in putting the bulk of mybonsai resources into the tree andthe pot (the visible end product)rather than into the various itemsneeded to produce and maintain thebonsai. A combination of advancingage, a large number of trees, and toomany large (and heavy) bonsai hascompelled me to look for a bonsaiwork table to ease the physical strainin the bonsai studio. A primary consideration is the ability to raiseand lower the tree so that it can beworked on from a seated position.

There are several possible aidson the market, but none seemed toexactly fit my needs. In Japan, turntables mounted on the base ofhydraulic barber chairs are commonlyused in working bonsai studios.

Exploration of making such athing out of components available inthe US led to the conclusion that,although possible, the result wouldbe more expensive and less functionalthan desired. I concluded that themost cost effective solution wouldlikely lie in finding a device which isalready widely used in other pursuitsand is manufactured in quantity.

My search led to several blindalleys and a number of impossiblyexpensive solutions before theanswer to my problem was found.

Hydraulic Lift TableHydraulic lift tables are commonlyused in many materials handling

situations in manufacturing and commerce. Most are “overqualified”for bonsai use but I was finally ableto find one that is nearly perfect foruse in a bonsai studio. The winningdevice is a hydraulically operated lift(or scissor) table manufactured in China.

The rectangular steel table top isabout 19 x 31 inches and easily canbe raised by the use of an integralhydraulic cylinder and foot operatedpump. Some models are lowered bya foot operated valve and some by ahand valve. Both are easy to use. The

table top can be raised from 10 to 31inches above the floor. The 21 inchrange of height adjustment makes iteasy to position the tree at the properheight for comfortable access to thepart of the tree upon which one isworking. This feature is a great helpto one’s back and eyes.

The all steel construction is sturdyand heavy. The weight of the table isabout 110 pounds. The lifting capacityis 660 pounds which is more thanenough to take care of my heaviestbonsai. I appreciate the ability to

By Julian R. Adams

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15INTERNATIONAL BONSAI2005/NO. 1

kept clear of the scissor mechanismand the table top when it is beingraised or lowered.

To protect the painted finish ofthe table top, I have fastened a plywood covering to the top withduct tape. This gives protection forthe top and a less slick surface fortools and other items placed on it.When a turntable is needed, my homemade turntable (made with an inex-pensive six inch lazy susan bearing) sitsnicely on the plywood covering withplenty of room at the side for tools, etc.

I have found several sources andtwo versions of this lift table. Theleast expensive costs $100 to $120.A higher quality version with betterwheels and a better paint job costs$180 to $220. Prices vary by sourceand whether or not it is a sale item.

They are available from NorthernTool retail stores and at a lower pricefrom the Northern Tool online catalog.Shipping via UPS is pricey due to theweight so there may be an advantageto a local purchase. The best pricesof all are at those traveling tool salesoutfits that set up in a community fora three day sale every six months orso. If you buy one, inspect for condi-

tion and operation immediately sothat you can get a working replace-ment while the seller is still in town.Quality control is poor and shippingdamage is a frequent problem.

I have two in use and wonderhow I ever did the bonsai work withoutthem. If all your trees are mame orshohin size, this table is of littlevalue. If your trees are larger, take alook. You may find that one of theseinexpensive lift tables can facilitateyour involvement with bonsai.

raise the bonsai to a comfortableheight before it is picked up andreturned to the display bench. Nomore bending!!! This is a great backstrain saver. The tables are mountedon five inch wheels. Two are fixed inposition. The other two swivel andhave brakes allowing the table to bepositioned with stability where onewants. If the configuration of the studio and display benches allow, itis possible to use the table as a cartto move the tree between the benchand the work area in the studio. Thisis a life saver when my spouse is notfeeling up to carrying my trees for me.

A sturdy handle for moving thetable is included. For some largetrees, the handle can be an obstruc-tion. One can use the table for moststudio situations with the handleremoved. When used for transportingtrees between the garden and thestudio it is advisable to use the handle for safety’s sake. Other thanthe possibility of escape on slopingground, the only apparent hazard inthe use of the lift table is the possibilityof lowering the table onto things thatmay be under the table. Hands, feet,and other items of value should be

ABOUT THE AUTHORJulian R. Adams

Julian Adams is a bonsai author, instructorand exhibitor from Lynchburg, Virginia. He is theproprietor of Adams Motors Company and Adam’sBonsai, a retail bonsai business.

Mr. Adams experiments with various propagation and growing techniques and hisengineering background has led him to newinnovations in cultivating and training bonsai.This background has also provided him with asolid background for designing and constructinghis bonsai garden and other innovations.

Annealed copper wire is one of his specialitiesand Mr. Adams supplies many nurseries with thetraditional training wire. Mr. Adams has authoredseveral articles in past issues.

Julian Adams working on a bonsai in his new studio. The hydraulic lift table adjusts to different heights to accommodate all bonsai sizes.