Thread: Building a cot - need some help

Yep the bigest problem was the slide mechanism , someone posted here where to get the spring loaded units about 18 months ago , try the advanced search , next to the new posts at the top of the page
I was dead lucky, knew a bloke that had to replace the cots in a child minding centre when the regs changed and got two cots with sliding mechanisms for a six pack , then used them ( sliding mechanisms ) in the cots I built for my grandkids , best bit was I used the front and back panels slightly modified as sliding room dividers and got a lot more than a six pace for them

Originally Posted by snaps

My first initial thought was to just rebate a channel in the main corner post of the cot and attach a large size dowel on the vertical sliding door, but i think this might be a little to wobbly or be a little stiff to operate.

I did something similar on my cot, except instead of a dowell I used tenons on the end of the top and bottom rail that slid in slots cut into the vertical posts. It is quite solid.

Locking was done by putting a sliding bolt into the middle of the top rail with a spring behind it. I drilled a hole in the right spot in the slot so the spring will push the bolt into the post when the side is raised.

Let me see if I can find the photos...

Cheers,
Dave

found the thread here

The 5th photo should give you an idea of what I was talking about. If you want a diagram, just ask and I'll whip one up.

Where are my manners?!?! Congratulations on the upcomming addition to your family. It is a great time in your life, underscorred by the fact that you'll barely remember the first bits of it as you'll be so $#%#$ tired

Cheers,
Dave

Originally Posted by Ozkaban

I did something similar on my cot, except instead of a dowell I used tenons on the end of the top and bottom rail that slid in slots cut into the vertical posts. It is quite solid.

Ditto. Some large brass screw-in hooks work very well for the steel tenons, just screw them in and cut off the hook section to length. I even managed to find some brass bearings that fit snuggly over the tenons. I didn't use a locking pin though, instead I make the slot with a hook shape at the top which the top rail falls into. Can be operated one handed, but is immovable to a child.

If you decide to go down this path, make sure to cut the tenons .5mm longer than the slot is deep. Otherwise you have unsightly running scratches on the cot ends.

Originally Posted by kman-oz

If you decide to go down this path, make sure to cut the tenons .5mm longer than the slot is deep. Otherwise you have unsightly running scratches on the cot ends.

Where the heck were you when I built my cot?? Good advice to follow. I obviously didn't

I made this mistake the first time Second time around the result is a lot better.

Try this link to an earlier posting, The stealth hardware works well.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/as...ardware-88798/

I just finished building my cot and I used the stealth hardware (www.productsamerica.com/hidden.html). It works OK, but needs to be pretty spot on parallel or else you have trouble with it sliding. I used pine, but they say it should be used with hardwood to avoid splintering of the thin key that needs to be cut with the router. Here are some pics.

Thanks a bucket load guys! all this info has lead me in the right direction

Ashore; damn your a lucky bloke getting those second hand cots. if only i know a guy!

dugjac: cheers mate, ive had a look and that hardware looks to be the business.

Ozkaban: that exactly what im looking for, im also now looking at Hidden Stealth Hardware cot drop side mechanism and will try and incorporate your type of locking mechanism. Hopefully i can mill something suitable for the lock.

Manuel99: cheers! i havent seen that one before, it will make my job alot easier. ive got one coming in the mail to see how it functions.

Originally Posted by Manuel99

I just finished building my cot and I used the stealth hardware (www.productsamerica.com/hidden.html). It works OK, but needs to be pretty spot on parallel or else you have trouble with it sliding. I used pine, but they say it should be used with hardwood to avoid splintering of the thin key that needs to be cut with the router. Here are some pics.

hey Manuel, does that hidden cot slider thing also have the cot latch to stop it from falling down? or is it just a simple rail?

Thanks