Thread: New here, from Midwestern US.

Hi,
Stumbled across this board while I was looking for some general info on working with wood.
I have a couple of confessions. I don't really consider myself much of a woodworker or a carpenter, but in thinking about it, I did build a couple things (chicken coop, shed, loft bed) this year, and expect to make another loft in '12.

The bed was a "full" (about 57x74", or 1.5x2.8m, approx), with the mattress resting on a platform about 60" (1.5m) off the ground.
Other than sanding it, I didn't use any power tools. (or nails ) It's not that I'm against them because when time is a real factor, I'm utterly without prejudice. But this was for our oldest, and I wanted it to have a little emotion tied in. Used a brace & auger (countersinking the carriage bolts), a hand drill, compass saw, GP saw, hammer, & a chisel. Probably could have used a plane, but don't own one. Yet. Cutting the 57 x 37" base* out of 48x96" sheets of ply was easier than I'd thought it was going to be. Cutting the curved gussets wasn't.

The next loft bed will have to have a significantly different look, and I've got some ideas about trying to combine a sort of arts & crafts look with some fairly modern finish. Haven't got the final go-ahead yet (my youngest may change his mind), but am working over the basic structure in my head.

Anyway, I'm mostly a practical hack with a mild preference for hand tools. Have enjoyed reading existing threads and hope to learn more.
Thanks!



*bed size is 74x57". 2 57x37" sheets set side by side, screwed & glued (noise) to a 2x4 support under the joint worked well.