Jeff Ellis Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 The bed is based off Marc’s Guild project for the Dogon Bed. I had to make a few design changes for my personal preferences and limitation of tools. One major design change was that Marc’s bed for his client was made out of bubinga and wenge. Well, those species are not quite in my budget at this point in my life, so I went with red oak and walnut. I also went for an accent strip of walnut in my foot board, in lieu of making it look like one solid slab of wood (like Marc did). I really wish that I could have made it in the one solid slab look, but I bought rough lumber and I couldn’t quite get the grain to match up perfectly with the stock I had to give it that look. Furthermore, his design included a split headboard with a 20-degree bevel. Well, I attempted this, but after a couple failed attempts, I realized that I didn’t have the right tool (biscuit joiner vs. a Domino) to properly line up the bevel glue-up, so I went with a straight headboard. When I took a step back and looked at the bed once it was set up in our bedroom, I thought, “man I really wish I executed that beveled headboard. The final design change was in the side rails and hardware for the side rails. The design called for a bolt on solution for hardware, since the rails were only three inches tall and those mortise bed rail fasteners you can buy at Rockler require about 5″ of height. I really don’t like bolt-on fasteners, after too many moves of taking beds apart. So, I opted to take the opportunity to change the side rail structure. While it still has substantial width, I added a couple inches of height to get a different type of fastener on there…no more wrestling with wrenches in tight spaces. I am so pleased with how this came out. It is my first major project, and I think it is easily my best executed project. Have a looksie: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 I like it, well done, I especially like the knot on the headboard, gives it that one of a kind look everyone wants, but won't attempt! What really gets me is who is using the bed. When I made mine, this is what happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ellis Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 We couldn't get the sheets, blankets and pillows on before he took claim over it. We have also been waking up in the mornings since I put this in the bedroom with another visitor...a certain toddler has decided to join the party. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Very nice job Jeff! Glad you made it your own! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Jeff, Great build. I think the footboard looks better with the walnut accent strip than it would without it, especially with the walnut headboard panel. Looks like you've got one happy taker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Very nice work Jeff. You made some good design choices to meet the materials, tools, and skills at your disposal. I say it paid off handsomely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Melton Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Looks great man. I wouldn't knock your wood choice, I like it just as much as the bubinga and wenge (Marc also had a client commission the bed in that build if I remember correctly). Also, I think I like the straight headboard, but I tend to prefer more simple designs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ellis Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 I think I wish I did the beveled headboard so I could have executed something more advanced. But, I am still very pleased with the result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papajohn54 Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 Beautiful work Jeff. Great modifications to the plant and excellent yes and choice of materials I also have four dogs and share mine have a great life Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrdie Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 If the dog likes it there's no way I can find fault with it. It looks just right for the space it occupies. A beveled headboard would've made it stand further away from the wall and take up more space at the foot of the bed. I also like the wood choice. Walnut has always been a favorite of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ellis Posted January 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 After a week of sleeping on it, I am very happy with how it turned out structurally too. The support structure is nice and flat and strong as all hell to support me, my wife, a 90 lb dog, and sometimes a toddler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 Yea but does it squeek when.........? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lxmobxl Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 Very nice job. I'm still too afraid to jump on this project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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