I’ve subscribed to FWW for a number of years and just recently became an online member. I’ve used the online forum to research different aspects of my last few projects and just today came across the knots Community.
I’ve made a few projects in my garage, (maple work bench, cherry humidor, dog ramp, etc…) and would now like to make my daughter a bed. Like all young girls she’s had a hard time deciding what she wants. We’ve settled on a frame and panel design, (I can’t find a good plan on-line – so I’m designing my own). I would ask the group for help in deciding on the type of wood to use. I’ve always used hardwood material in my projects and am most familiar with hardwood characteristics. I prefer oil finishes to any other, but this isn’t my bed. I would appreciate any input regarding a wood type that willl hold up and still accept a painted finish.
Thanks!
Replies
pb,
Soft Maple paints up good also Poplar gets used for paint grade as well .
For any panels mdf can't be beat for painted finish , you won't be sacrificing any structural integrity by using mdf for panels .
good luck dusty
Thanks for the response dusty. I thought soft maple would be good as well as poplar, but wasn't sure. I never thought about using MDF for the panels, but I can see how it would be more beneficial over plywoods.
I would use brown maple. It's stong, cheap, and takes paint well.
I'm not a huge fan of poplar. I haven't had great luck machining it on the finer details. If maple and poplar are similar in price in your neck of the woods, go with maple. I would look at combining mdf for the flat stock and maple for the structure.
Like all young girls she's had a hard time deciding what she wants.
Just wait till' she is a Teenager! I have three grown daughters and three granddaughters.
(I can't find a good plan on-line - so I'm designing my own) Good Idea but building a bed is a 'bit' different. I have only made two in my life. I think there is alot of free info here on beds.
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My suggestion is that YOU decide what wood to use. Then let her decide what style of bed!
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Then make her a Pencil Post bed with a 'top' (whatever they call it) and hang fancy cloth stuff to cover the sides (ask wife about what material to use). Gee. you can even put low voltage lights up there that look like little stars!
I'd tell her it is a 'Princess Bed' and YOU seemed to fit in there just PERFECT!
I'd bet she would forget all about what she wanted!
GOD, little girls are fun!
EDIT: I forgot to say all of my 'Girls' would have went along with what I said.. EXCEPT ONE! She would have cried and I'd have to do it over!
Edited 10/1/2007 2:32 pm by WillGeorge
From what I've heard poplar is not as stable as soft maple so I would go with maple also, especially if cost is similar to poplar.
Frank
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