My Sunday Afternoon Project

[Anton]

Well, seeing I have recently received a few Vanda Alliance orchids, I thought I had better make some baskets rather than leave them in pots.

Seeing today (Sunday) was such a lovely warm day around 72F and a cool breeze and too good to stay inside, I decided to make some baskets in my workshop which is still in a mess from my GH renno recently. Looking for that cursed ROUNDTUIT.

Seeing a lot of newbies don't know about baskets I thought I would make this project a photographic essay on "How To".

I made them out of Australian Oak as this is a relatively hard wood and resistant to moisture.

Photo 1 : The jig I made to drill the holes for the wire to thread through.

Photo 2 : Loose assembly of baskets with box of precut lengths at the back.

Photo 3 : Lower view

Photo 4 : wires precut with one end bent around ready for insertion

Photo 5 : inserting wires

Photo 6 : all wires inserted and ready for rolling up to act as supports

Photo 7 : underside showing wire eyes which are then hammered flat to support basket when upright.

Photo 8 : wires now rolled up and basket complete and ready for filling

Photo 9 : completed project........6 baskets

Photo 10 : closeup of a completed basket.

Looks like I have a bit of mounting to do next weekend.

EDITED IN LATER
I forgot to add, I made these baskets with an inside dimension of 110mm ( nearly 4 1/2") as I have relatively small Ascocendas at present. These baskets should last for at least 2 to 3 years, by then my Bali seedlings will be ready to move into them, and I'll have to make bigger baskets for my present Ascocendas.

[fred]

well done Anton
thank you for posting the step by step pics.
I am sure your post will be well used for guidance.
Hence I have made your post Sticky also
thank you

[patticake]

How cool! I will have to show this thread to my husband later- He's the carpenter in the family! Great shots and step by step!
Thanks!!!

[arleneg]

Well done!

[butt0n]

If only I owned power tools....Anyways, nice job!

[jay]

Thanks for sharing this. Another great and helpful "How to Pictorial".

[Miki]

What a champ!
Not only can this man grow orchids, he can make baskets too!
I am jealous!

[kazjak]

Nice job Anton! One question.. Did you buy the Oak as 1X or did you have to rip it down?

[Anton]

I bought the oak as 2 lengths of 3m x 42mm x 19mm and ripped them down the middle and then cut it into 150mm lengths, that gave me enough material to make 5 baskets 110mm inside dimension and there are enough little logs over to make 3/4 of another basket.

[solay]

I think it's wonderful to make your own baskets. I never thought of that. I would try but I'm afraid I'd lose an eye trying. I'll see if I can enlist the help of my hubby. I can live with a one eyed man if need be. Ha! Ha!

[401820]

Good job, i never would have been able to do it myself!

[Anton]

401820 it is easy if you plan and set things up in advance.

[jerrymeola]

Anton how expensive are baskets in Australia. They only cost $2.50 retail here with hangers and even less if you buy a dozen. Does it justify your time?

[Anton]

Jerry, the cheapest I could find were $7.50 for 100mm inside measurement, I make mine for around $3.50 for 150mm inside measurement.

Also, you can't get wooden baskets here in South Australia, so on top of the above cost, add shipping costs too.

The beauty of these is that I can tailor make them to what ever dimensions I want, and if I need one in a hurry, I just make it, rather than having to contact one of the nurseries in Queeensland, placing an order, and waiting for them to be shipped down.

If I want one, I WANT IT NOW ! Also I don't have a need for vast quantities.

Besides, I enjoy making them, makes good "therapy' from work.