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Thread: First Project Posting

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    9

    First Project Posting

    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.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Savannah, Ga
    Posts
    1,005
    Looks great Jim. I am about to start on one myself that's a little larger for my sister in law who is expecting in 7 months. Trying to do it as close to a full size crib as I can get away with so it will double as crib/cradle. How long did it take you?
    I'm a Joe of all trades. It's a first, it'll catch on.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    9
    Hi Joe - you could be right about the size. I am hoping that they will get 4-6 months out of it. As far as the time, it took me about 8 weeks on weekends and a few weeknights. I am thinking that I could the next one in about half the time since I have made all of the design decisions. Because I used BLO and shellac, I was able to do the entire finishing schedule in one day, which was nice. Good luck.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Walla Walla Wa
    Posts
    5

    cut list please

    Jim, looks great, yes if you could post the cut list that would be great. Dont need one right now but I am sure (hoping) in the future I will. Thanks

  5. #5
    Jim, looks great & well done. It's always great to see projects like this for a first-born child. Too bad babies grow so fast, but they will treasure this for a long time.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    In the foothills of the Sandia Mountains
    Posts
    16,619
    Beautiful work Jim, a future heirloom.
    Please help support the Creek.


    "It's paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone."
    Andy Rooney



  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    St Marys, West Virginia
    Posts
    597
    I like it. Great job!
    One good turn deserves another

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    22,492
    Blog Entries
    1
    Great stuff. A treasured hand-me-down for your kids, kids, kids.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  9. #9
    Nice work, Jim. Some beautiful cherry, and great job on the joinery!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    LA & SC neither one is Cali
    Posts
    9,447
    Very very nice. Wll be cherished I am sure.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Sinking Spring, PA
    Posts
    881
    I really like it... nice craftsman style with a more modern look to it..

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