Jim Parmeter
05-19-2010, 3:10 PM
Hello Everyone - I have not posted a project before and thought this was a good opportunity. I recently finished the attached cradle for our nephew and his wife for their first child. I used some wide cherry (11"+) that I have had for a long time for the end panels. The design was based on the combination of a couple of different plans I have seen and the dimensions were sized around a 15x33 mattress that we found on the web. The other standard size is 18x36 but I preferred the smaller cradle. Because I will most likely do more of these (big family) I did do a simple cutlist spread sheet that I would be happy to share if anyone is interested.
Joinery consisted of a various types of mortise and tenon. The slats were mortised into the rails and the rails were attached to the panels with through tenons (rounded) with a maple wedge. The legs were mortised and pegged into the feet. We had to transport the cradle from Charlotte to Pittsburgh so I opted for a knock-down design on the base, attaching the stretcher to the legs with tusk tenons.
For the finish I used BLO and clear shellac (zinser). I thought about putting a couple of coats of wiping varnish as a top coat but I did not want the smell. Because of the flash, the picture is little lighter than the actual piece.
I do enjoy looking at all of the projects posted as they are a good source of ideas/inspiration, so I thought it was only fair that I finally post something. Also, doing this project got me to go through my stack of cherry (which I have had for more than 10 years) and started me thinking about a new kitchen table that my wife has been asking for. Need to finish a couple of stickley style wall shelves first, which I will post when complete.
Thanks for looking and any questions and critiques are appreciated.
Joinery consisted of a various types of mortise and tenon. The slats were mortised into the rails and the rails were attached to the panels with through tenons (rounded) with a maple wedge. The legs were mortised and pegged into the feet. We had to transport the cradle from Charlotte to Pittsburgh so I opted for a knock-down design on the base, attaching the stretcher to the legs with tusk tenons.
For the finish I used BLO and clear shellac (zinser). I thought about putting a couple of coats of wiping varnish as a top coat but I did not want the smell. Because of the flash, the picture is little lighter than the actual piece.
I do enjoy looking at all of the projects posted as they are a good source of ideas/inspiration, so I thought it was only fair that I finally post something. Also, doing this project got me to go through my stack of cherry (which I have had for more than 10 years) and started me thinking about a new kitchen table that my wife has been asking for. Need to finish a couple of stickley style wall shelves first, which I will post when complete.
Thanks for looking and any questions and critiques are appreciated.