[Ice]

I want to build a circular cake stand and make it two inches/5cm deep x 12 inches/30cm diameter.  I can easily cut two circular pieces of ply for top and bottom but don't know what to use for the side.    Obviously it has to be flexible and rigid enough to withstand the weight of the cake.

Any ideas please?  I'll pm some cake when it's done.

[Lardman]

Does it have to be solid ?

Would flexible ply would be an option ?

I've used sections of stair spindle for turned pillars as I dont have a lathe. I would think either 1 central or 3 in a tripod wouldn't look too bad.

[Ice]

Flexible ply sounds good, I'll have to google it.    The whole thing needs to be empty enough to allow some small lights and cables to go inside.

[sunshineband]

You could use ply like Lardman suggests but if you steam it it wil bend more easily(Make sure it is marine ply though or the glue comes apart between the layers)

When it is pliable you can bend it round something the same diameter, then it will set in that shape and be easier to attach to little blocks or wood on the edge of the top and bottom (if that makes sense)

 
Just a thought

[mumofstig]

How about some plaster columns.........the sort that you put between wedding cake layers

[Ice]

Don't overcomplicate things sunny, I only have a very basic tool kit. 

I can do the columns. it's the outer ring that poses a problem mum.  I want to build something that resembles a very large pound coin.

[GrannieAnnie]

You can also buy grooved mdf that bends round corners. I've also got a round plastic sweet 'tin'  not sure of the diameter, but you could cut 2 inches depth off something like that?

[Ice]

Grooved mdf, think I've seen that on DIY SOS or something.  Sounds just the job thanks.

[Will1983]

why not use several layers of card laminated together, the type from cereal boxes should be ideal and very flexible.

if you spread PVA glue over the previous layer before fixing the next and secure it with string or a big elastic band. just make sure to stagger the joints and itll be plenty solid enough to support even the heaviest fruit cake

[8doubles]

Going off on a tangent here but it could be less costly time wise to buy a cheap (recycled?) frying pan or similar utensil and take the handle off.
You could still drill it easily for cables and lights.

[Ice]

Going off on a tangent here but it could be less costly time wise to buy a cheap (recycled?) frying pan or similar utensil and take the handle off.
You could still drill it easily for cables and lights.

I'm a bit wary of mixing electric lights and metal frying pans, but it is a good idea and would be a nice shape.

[missycat]

If the lights are only LED type (not hot) can't you just use corrugated card around the edge having built a framework of two round cake bases (cheap and hygenic) with 2 or 3  inner circles of card (2" strips crved round to make circles 4" and 6"  and 9" diameter) sandwiched between them?
 

[Ice]

If the lights are only LED type (not hot) can't you just use corrugated card around the edge having built a framework of two round cake bases (cheap and hygenic) with 2 or 3  inner circles of card (2" strips crved round to make circles 4" and 6"  and 9" diameter) sandwiched between them?
 

Thank you I'm going to do that to test it out, then make another one that is more sturdy if it works.  Just in case my idea is pants.

[greenun]

What about a wooden frying pan, I know they're a bit rare since the invention of fire
But think of the advantages if you find one...er...er...

[Ice]

What about a wooden frying pan, I know they're a bit rare since the invention of fire
But think of the advantages if you find one...er...er...

Sorry, I threw mine out along with the chocolate colander.