Replies

1. 
   cmiller231 | Nov 20, 2006 03:18am | #1

   New Carpenter : I'am in the middle of  completeing my second crib  this year.  One for my daughter and this one being completed for my daughter-in-law.I purchased my plans off the inter net . there was so many errors that i e-mailed the guy back and told him so he refunded the money . 

    This  crib is one that  converts to a day bed and then to a full size bed . There were a lot of slats to make . The plans called for dowelling which i did on the first one   about 250 dowells  at least .Each slat was 1/2"x 1- 1/4"    requiring 4   1/4" dowells for each slat.I modified the plans and put a raised panel in each of the sides and then  scroll sawed  a letter" B" for each panel.( family name )This is just part of what i was up against/.

     If you do decide to build one think long and hard about the type of fastner  for the for corners . I used stud type i got from Rockler ( Uses a allen wrench to tighten), It worked ok on the first crib but i would never use it again. As it was a pain  to assemble the sides.The store bought cribs use  threaded inserts , I don't reallly like them as they might pull out if somebdy over tightens them or work loose if they are not tightened enough.. I used regular bed hooks on the second one .Chris

2. 
   berlinbrian | Nov 20, 2006 04:51pm | #2

   I finished the following crib a few months ago for my first child:

   http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10727
   I used hard maple.

   The directions were clear and written well enough for me to follow.
   If you are careful and think about what you are doing this crib will turn out nice. The hardward kit simplifies finding hardware.

   You will need to do A LOT of planing so if you do not own a decent power planer, then I would advise against this plan. Also an accurate fence on your table saw is important too.

   I learned a lot while making this.

1. 
   dayligon | Nov 21, 2006 05:16am | #3

   My wife's cookin' up our first kid, so I've been considering making a crib, too. We both have looked at and like the plans you followed, so it seems like a good choice. Can you estimate the bf of lumber needed?

   Thanks

2. 
   joinerswork | Nov 28, 2006 05:27pm | #6

   All,

   Regarding fasteners and cribs, I read just this morning , that it takes many, many nails to build a crib, but only one screw to fill it.

   Cheers,

   Ray

3. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 21, 2006 07:23am | #4

   New carpenter,

   I have made a couple.  They are a blast.

   Attached is a photo of Sam's cradle.  It is based on a cradle that is on the front of a Taunton published book.  Can't find the book now, but if you can not find it, let me know and I'll dig some more.

   The second is Cate's cradle.  It is based on one from Cherry Tree Toys

   http://www.cherrytreetoys.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=42-197&variation=&aitem=10&mitem=14

   I changed it in that I used connector bolts so that it can be taken apart for storage or transporting.

   Have fun,

   Alan - planesaw

   
1. 
   user-53529 | Nov 27, 2006 11:26pm | #5

   Thanks to everyone for the pictures, suggestions, and the plans.  My wife and I are expecting and I would love to make something special for the new addition to our family.  I appreciate it, and am enjoying the continued discussion on baby cribs!

4. 
   cmiller231 | Feb 12, 2007 07:11am | #7

   Heres a pic of crib recently done and an old cradle i built 30  yrs ago Chris