This is the final design for the bed that I will be building for our spare bedroom. If the weather permits. I should be able to start on it soon. Maybe, in a couple of weeks.
The design is simple. The headboard is going to be made from Canelo natural slab that someone gave me. This beds main platform will be made from 3/4" plywood that is Coigue and the legs will be made of Ulmo or Coigue. My only doubt about the legs is if I have enough pieces of Ulmo that are the size I need. Ulmo is typically thought of as firewood. In fact, that's what we burn in our house. However, it makes me sad, because it is such a beautiful wood. There are just no other options here.
The side runners and under the bed with be sculpted Coigue as it will compliment the bed, and is just so beautiful as well.
For the fastening of the components, I will use a mix of tradition woodworking methods and some more modern. I will use some dowels, and some bolt/screws. This way the bed will be firm, but also allow it to be taken apart with out it being damaged.
As for the finish...I'm not real sure what I will do. I don't know if I will do a Lent-seed oil finish, or a semi-gloss urethane. I will see which of my samples move me.
My process of building this bed will be documented via video and photos. I will also be making this bed with out major wood working tools. Mainly, I will be using a circular saw, drill, hand saws, hand planer, possibly a electric hand planer, Hammer, Various Chisels, glass, various grits of sand paper, an electric sander, and angle grinder. I may also use a blow torch if I decide to burn the wood instead of oil it.
As I have mentioned before, I will be doing a number of projects in this simplified manor. There are a few reasons why. One reason is that I have decided to document these projects is because, I find it aggravating how many woodworking books for beginners show everything being done on professional equipment. Most people do not have the time, or the money to buy or learn how to use such equipment for their personal use.
Second: My results have been very well recieved with this simplified method of building furniture. I've been asked to build furniture for others base on the fact that my furniture has a vintage look to it. Also, each peice has a bit of character to it, and no...I'm not using "character" in place of mistakes or damage.
Finally: The reality of it is, there's not much more Mid-Century/Retro than building your own furniture with limited tools. This is how the handyman of the past did it, and if it was good enough for them, well...it's good enough for me. In the end, the tools may make things faster, but it's the quality of design and work that make a piece that last for ever.
For other projects that I have done or am working on, check out my Flickr.
2 comments:
Cant wait to see it. i built my Nelson knock-off bed in an apartment years ago, I had the plywood cut to size at the hardware store and assembled using only a cordless drill. I dig a cat with ambition! good luck.
Well, to be honest...I can't wait to see it either. I hope I don't disappoint.
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