Thread: Building a Queen Size Bed - This is how I did it...

Finished yet

I like the design, looks well thought out.

Rhancock, do a search using the name "Rocker" and "morticing jig"

Going to look terrific when finished!
Love th BHS. One of my favourite timbers when used correctly.

Originally Posted by gabacus

unfortunately i cannot remember the thread. there is a section on this forum on jigs and i just did a word search in there. if i come past it again i will let you know (i am always looking for new jigs )

Thanks for looking.

Originally Posted by Harry72

Finished yet

I like the design, looks well thought out.

Rhancock, do a search using the name "Rocker" and "morticing jig"

That's good, thanks!

Here it is!

Thanks again for the sketch up file. Watching with keen interest. DId you consider running the dado around the sides, or just leave them on the face. The sasafras panle is that a venererd ply?

Originally Posted by bpj1968

Thanks again for the sketch up file. Watching with keen interest. DId you consider running the dado around the sides, or just leave them on the face. The sasafras panle is that a venererd ply?

you know, i didnt actually think about running the dado's around the side. i think it would actually look nice that way. i think i will try this when i make the bed side tables.

the sassafras panel is veneer on mdf. i purchased the panel from specialty wood veneer. i considered buying the veneer and making the panel myself but i just dont have the equipment to veneer on a large scale

ok... the next challenge...

before i began this project i had made the decision to stain the tassie oak into a chocolate colour. i came to this decision rather quickly even though i hate staining and have had bad experiences with it in the past

first, i had to find a colour i liked. after buying a number of different products with different colours/methods of application i settled with Wattyl Wood Gel (wenge). i was a little worried about using this stuff and the test pieces had mixed results. still, it was the closest to what i was after and went with it.

in the end the stain was easy to apply but it really did take up a lot of time. the gel is added very liberally to make sure it doesnt dry up on the timber and then you really have to work it to get the excess off. if you put the effort in the stain comes up even and pleasing to the eye.

i should mention that before staining i sanded all the surfaces to 220 grit (starting from 120 and moving up) then raised the grain with water (as the stain was water based) then final sand to 320. this left a very smooth surface

and now, it was time for the finish

after staining i applied 2 coats of tung oil to bring up the colour of the grain. i oiled the frame and panels before gluing it all together. the reason i did this is that i could easily wipe away any squeeze out without removing the stain from the frame.

by the way, i should have mentioned in my previous post that the green tape on the edges of the panel where there to make sure i didnt apply oil to the edge. i needed to make sure the glue has something to bond to when i placed it in the rebate.

anyway...

after the oil i added 2 coats of wipe on poly for a litte extra protection

after it all dried i then waxed the surface with traditional wax that i applied with some 0000 steel wool.

the next step was to cut and fit the slats. i dont think i mentioned how i made the cleats in my previous posts. i basically routed grooves into some 42mm square stock and then attached this to the side rails with glue and screws. the jig i made to route the grooves was rather barbaric and unsafe so i dont like to mention it... i dont even want to think about it...

anyway, the slats were cut to size and fit nicely into the grooves. i also added some felt to the tips of the slats (not pictured) to stop any noise created by the wood-wood contact surface.

finally, the bed was broken down and transported to my apartment. i put it in my room and slept on it last night. im very happy with the end result although i didnt get a chance to take some good quality photos of the bed in the room. hopefully tonight.

Excellent project and well done.

Looks great. Staining the frame really highlights the beauty of the sassafras.