AusBonsai

I liked the proportions, but you probably have a particular pot in mind. It's always the way, when you make something it fires up other ideas - it's all part of the fun. Will be interesting to see the next few editions.

Gavin

One thing Pat Kennedy told me many moons ago is that the standard 60/40 rule does not "normally" apply to bonsai pots (rectangular ones) so I do need to do a bit more research. Fitting a pot to a stand in exhibitions is quite important and I hold a view that the quality of your exhibitions should improve with each show.
As I said on your post, I did get a quantity of blackwood recently and I am very keen to give it a go because it is a very beautiful timber when dressed (and probably because its much softer).
I have made other stands with a varnish over the top, but that scratches very easily and I am hoping that oil is the answer. Although I am going to look into shellac.

For my money, oil brings out the grain, but gradually dries away, shellac over the top will seal it well, but looks thin/shiny by itself, so a couple of coats of wax (beeswax for me) after that brings out a deep glow. Haven't tried it on Euc wood, but should work well. Polish the wood first off down to 400 grit.

Gavin