This was discussed at length about a year ago, but I didn't come away from that thread with specific advice. So then I purchased a small bamboo tray from Rishi on sale. I've been very happy with it's functionality, but not with how it's wearing. I'm in the market for another tray, large enough for my pot and cup and a water cooler, that catches and holds water. I've seen some trays with a hose for water run-off, but that won't work for my kitchen.
Any suggestions?
Sep 7th, '11, 11:19
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Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Heh, I bought the small and big one in that blow out sale (are you talking about the tables?) ... and use the large one just about all the time. So far no wear issues at all ... *knock on bamboo*JRS22 wrote:This was discussed at length about a year ago, but I didn't come away from that thread with specific advice. So then I purchased a small bamboo tray from Rishi on sale. I've been very happy with it's functionality, but not with how it's wearing. I'm in the market for another tray, large enough for my pot and cup and a water cooler, that catches and holds water. I've seen some trays with a hose for water run-off, but that won't work for my kitchen.
Any suggestions?
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
This is what I purchased, at an excellent price during their holiday sale last December. I think of it as a tray because I place it on a table to use it, but you are correct (as usual) that Rishi calls it a table.
Mine is physically intact and functional, but looks washed out. Since I'm planning to set up a simple puerh "station" in my workroom with my old electric kettle and one set of teaware I'd like to upgrade to a better tray for downstairs and use this one upstairs.
Mine is physically intact and functional, but looks washed out. Since I'm planning to set up a simple puerh "station" in my workroom with my old electric kettle and one set of teaware I'd like to upgrade to a better tray for downstairs and use this one upstairs.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Buy ones that have a plastic tray at the bottom. The bamboo ones last about 1-2 years at most if you use it frequently.
Sep 8th, '11, 01:08
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Re: Tea Trays Part Two
The bamboo ones also like to split if they get too dried out. Central heat plays havok on them.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Have a look at the ones on DTH
http://stores.ebay.com/Dragon-Tea-House ... p=16&_sc=1
Probably something in that lot that suits your needs.
http://stores.ebay.com/Dragon-Tea-House ... p=16&_sc=1
Probably something in that lot that suits your needs.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Actually I was hoping to hear from people who are happy with their tea trays so I'd have some ideas about what materials work and age well. Otherwise I'll just be resigned to replacing my bamboo tray regularly. Anybody?
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Of the bamboo ones, the ones made by Lin's (unfortunately on the expensive side) have been the only ones I've had luck with long term. Going with a wood one with plastic dish, an entirely ceramic or metal one, or going without a sink underneath (just using a mat / waste bowl / dish) is another way to go.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
I have had luck using clear boat resin to coat my bamboo tray on a tray when I got it new. It seemed to work well in reinforcing the thin cheap lacquer that was put on it when I bought it. If you attempt this make sure you know what to expect and the ins and outs of the resins because they can be easy to mess up. When I tried to save my two year old bamboo tray that leaked by sanding it down and coating it, it was essentially a loss because it blushed.
Sep 9th, '11, 22:40
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Re: Tea Trays Part Two
My roommate and I found this out the hard way. Both my bamboo tray and his expensive bamboo go board suffered large cracks just a short time after purchasing them, since we live in a very dry climate. Luckily both of our things are still useable, though they look like hell.IPT wrote:The bamboo ones also like to split if they get too dried out. Central heat plays havok on them.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
I just Inspected my bamboo tray and the seams are intact. The main problem is the degree to which the finish has worn away. I may experiment with a food safe wood finish.
Sorry about the Go board. I know it has none of the spirit of a "real" board but there are Go apps for the iPad.
Sorry about the Go board. I know it has none of the spirit of a "real" board but there are Go apps for the iPad.
Sep 11th, '11, 09:42
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Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Do any other woods commonly used for tea trays such as rosewood or ebony work better/are more durable than bamboo? It may be worth it to pay a little extra for something that will last longer.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Go-ban are usually made in Shin-Kaya or Katsura, which make quite solid boards. Oak and Beech are used too.
Speaking about tea trays, I am having a ceramic one made by Mirka Mandova, Petr's partner... I am very eager to see the result.
Speaking about tea trays, I am having a ceramic one made by Mirka Mandova, Petr's partner... I am very eager to see the result.
Re: Tea Trays Part Two
JRS22 wrote:Actually I was hoping to hear from people who are happy with their tea trays so I'd have some ideas about what materials work and age well. Otherwise I'll just be resigned to replacing my bamboo tray regularly. Anybody?
Well I got one of the "ebony" ones they sell at DTH and its been going on 2.5 years. Looks like almost new still and used 3 times a day. No stains as the varnish is still 100% in tact I'd imagine I'd get another few of years atleast.. Much better then the bamboo one I had
Sep 11th, '11, 18:49
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Re: Tea Trays Part Two
Aah, so you have had success with the ebony. How do you clean it after you use it? Do you just simply use a wet cloth, or do you use some other method?Alex wrote: Well I got one of the "ebony" ones they sell at DTH and its been going on 2.5 years. Looks like almost new still and used 3 times a day. No stains as the varnish is still 100% in tact I'd imagine I'd get another few of years atleast.. Much better then the bamboo one I had