how to make this?

[Albert]

I think this is a stupid question but anyhow:

How do you make these curved member? I think from memory to obtain these curved member the timber has to go through steam process?

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If I dont have access to steam process, is there any other way to make this? laminate and then cut into curves with bandsaw??

thanks for your time.

[Sturdee]

Kerving is one method you can try. Here is the link to Stu"s shed (https://stusshed.com/2007/07/17/kerfing-bending-wood-on-the-tablesaw/) describing the process.


Peter.

[Kuffy]

It is a bent lamination.

A quick n nasty description is to make a clamping form to the desired curve/shape. Then laminate enough thin strips of timber to make the overall width using the clamping form to bend the strips into shape. It works best with a glue which does not creep. PVA creeps, polyurethane does not.

[ian]

Hi Albert

Three options, glue lamination, steam bending, or a combination of the two.

The original has four identical curved components, two at the top and two at the bottom.
If you can access air dried timber I think I'd try the steam bending approach. All you really need is a plywood box or piece of PVC pipe, a steam source -- for a one off a domestic kettle will work -- and a pair of heavy gloves.
there'll be lots of stuff on the net on how to build a steam box and bending form.
Given the apparent tightness of the bends, I suggest you use the steel strap bending method.


However, more importantly, for a baby's cot or child's bed, please read and understand the mandatory standard for kid's cots. If you can't meet the standard, I suggest you decline the commission. (I say this because I'm not sure the picture you've posted complies.)

[ian]

BTW, the original is laminated beech.

[Xanthorrhoeas]

As ian said/implied, there are a lot of very significant legal liability issues around cots because when children harm themselves or even die in the cot the parents (understandably) look for someone to blame. The Australian Consumers Association (Choice magazine) has a long history of agitiating for safer cot designs and standards. At the moment they are conducting a campaign because many manufacturers are supplying very soft mattresses. So soft that when a baby rolls onto its stomach their face can sink in and the baby asphyxiates.

So spacing and flexibility of slats (babies heads can get caught), whether any part of the cot can be forced apart and then clamp/jam on part of the baby causing damage or death, can the cot tip over etc. all need to be taken into account.

[ian]

The other consideration is that the original cot is probably available retail in Auckland, and the US retail price is around USD $600.

If it's a paying commission I suggest you steer clear.

If it's for your own pending bub, then how can we help?

[Lappa]

Good article on steam bending

http://www.leevalley.com/en/html/05F1501ie.pdf

[Albert]

Hi Ian

I am making this for my baby daughter (should be a girl), wife is due in January :)

[themage21]

Having got a copy of the A/NZ standard for cots before starting my own project, I found it helped with a lot of design questions, like spacing of bars, etc. It also makes sure that you pay the necessary attention to small gaps as well. I'd consider it mandatory, particularly if you consider the end of life option for the cot (sell, keep for heirloom?)

I tried to make a drop side cot and, due to my using a concealed track system and not having installation instructions for it (I bought the spare parts off the manufacturer of a popular cot brand), ended up with a bit of a dud as the first side I cut out was 1mm out and so now it sticks quite a bit. We never use the function - I figure that a two height cot does the hard work that the drop side is normally for.

Also, that cot is lovely, but probably a bit undersized for any long term use - it's more like a free standing bassinet. Maybe consider scaling up the size (or at least length) of the design so that you can get around 2 - 3 years out of it before you have to go to a "big bed".

Given it's not a rectangular shape - make sure that you can get the mattress and bedding before you start building - I nearly screwed that up too. You don't want to be beholden to a company that only makes bedding at $100/set and similarly you want to make sure that if this is to be an heirloom, the mattress is replaceable. Making a mattress from really stiff foam may be your option in this case.

As far as the steam setup goes - look up Louis Sauzedde on youtube ("Tips from a Shipwright" channel). He has a cheap and cheerful method of doing steam bending to very long pieces (but can be scaled down) that may be of assistance.

Lastly, give a thought to how you're going to finish it. I used HBO using LGS's method, however I'm sure that there are other options out there that will do just as well. Consider what it will take to maintain it and, more importantly, if the various substances that little people produce can be wiped off it without damage. Once again, I've had no problems with that at all.

It's pretty satisfying building the cot for your own child, but given the time poor situation that you'll probably be in next year, starting now is the right choice (much better than my finishing it when my daughter was 3 months old).

[Albert]

Having got a copy of the A/NZ standard for cots before starting my own project, I found it helped with a lot of design questions, like spacing of bars, etc. It also makes sure that you pay the necessary attention to small gaps as well. I'd consider it mandatory, particularly if you consider the end of life option for the cot (sell, keep for heirloom?)

I tried to make a drop side cot and, due to my using a concealed track system and not having installation instructions for it (I bought the spare parts off the manufacturer of a popular cot brand), ended up with a bit of a dud as the first side I cut out was 1mm out and so now it sticks quite a bit. We never use the function - I figure that a two height cot does the hard work that the drop side is normally for.

Also, that cot is lovely, but probably a bit undersized for any long term use - it's more like a free standing bassinet. Maybe consider scaling up the size (or at least length) of the design so that you can get around 2 - 3 years out of it before you have to go to a "big bed".

Given it's not a rectangular shape - make sure that you can get the mattress and bedding before you start building - I nearly screwed that up too. You don't want to be beholden to a company that only makes bedding at $100/set and similarly you want to make sure that if this is to be an heirloom, the mattress is replaceable. Making a mattress from really stiff foam may be your option in this case.

As far as the steam setup goes - look up Louis Sauzedde on youtube ("Tips from a Shipwright" channel). He has a cheap and cheerful method of doing steam bending to very long pieces (but can be scaled down) that may be of assistance.

Lastly, give a thought to how you're going to finish it. I used HBO using LGS's method, however I'm sure that there are other options out there that will do just as well. Consider what it will take to maintain it and, more importantly, if the various substances that little people produce can be wiped off it without damage. Once again, I've had no problems with that at all.

It's pretty satisfying building the cot for your own child, but given the time poor situation that you'll probably be in next year, starting now is the right choice (much better than my finishing it when my daughter was 3 months old).

Very helpful info right here. Thanks so much for everything.

I have a copy of the safety guideline for beds but not cots, from memory the regulation for cots is enforced unlike regulation for beds is only "advisory" in NZ.

I dont think I will go with the slider option, we will just use 2 height option, high or low. lol

The mattress sure will be a problem unless I can find a mattress manufacturer but I know they will only make them if there is a demand/quantity.

I may just make them slightly curved frame but base is still rectangular to overcome this issue.

[auscab]

laminating is the better way to go doing this I think . When you steam bend there is a little bit of spring back you have to calculate in.And as nice as steam bending is, it can end up a little distorted due to differences in grain direction and drying maybe . You see it in steam bent stuff all the time .
Laminating , gluing it up out of strips of wood , around a one off form you have to make to the inside shape, clamped with a strip of thin sheet steel around that, with a clamp at each end pulling . Gives huge clamping power , you will be amazed how strong it is when you pull a section out that has dried . And it ends up dead accurate. All 4 U shaped will be exaclty the same .
You just decide the wood you want to use and work out what thickness will bend dry around that form safely without snapping , probably between 3 and 4 mm and saw / smooth your wood to that . Last time I did it I made the metal strip out of a 30mm wide band saw blade and welded two sections of Square hollow section at each end for pulling with clamps. Just mild steel sheet will do it , or a length of steel that the timber yard use to wrap packs of timber in The wide stuff it 25 to 30mm ? I think .

Rob

[ian]

Very helpful info right here. Thanks so much for everything.

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The mattress sure will be a problem unless I can find a mattress manufacturer but I know they will only make them if there is a demand/quantity.

I may just make them slightly curved frame but base is still rectangular to overcome this issue.I've had a look at the website for the "prototype", must say it's a marvelous marketing concept.

Sell new parent on the idea that the new baby's cot can be expanded and enhanced through till when the kid is about 10.
Of course each iteration needs additional parts, and requires a custom shaped mattress and bed linen, "oh goodie" says retailer.


Albert, best wishes to you and your wife on your pending arrival.

[SPF]

Albert, I see the comments about the cot standards above, so won't say anything else about that. But, consider the SIDS guidelines as well.

When I was looking at making a bassinet for my first born, I went from looking at building something like you have pictured above, to something completely different - no slats (entrapment problem), no cushioned guards around the circumference (suffocation hazard), and no oils/paints other than water based (it will frighten you what kids put in their mouths), and nothing painted in reach of a <6 month old.

The design I settled on was a laminated ply hoop around the top (no sharp corners), similar to above with a polyester mesh basket hanging from it with a ply base in the bottom that supported a rectangular mattress with radiused corners that was a standard item from the local store. Everything is machine washable except the two plywood elements - and that is worth its weight in gold. The mesh basket means there is nothing hard for the baby to hit/press their head on, and no way for them to get the mouth/nose covered up if they roll over.

Have fun making what you decide on, and whatever it is make sure that you can rock it without it making any noise :oo: