Popular Post Eric. Posted May 12, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Warning: long and possibly boring monologue ahead...feel free to just look at the pics if you're not interested in my life story... This project was farther down in the queue than a number of others I've been thinking about, but a series of events guided me to push it up to the fore. About a year ago, a huge tree fell on our house (a white oak...befitting that white oak was used in this project, although that was purely coincidental). Anyway, the long and short of it is that it was a complete PITA that stole away a big chunk of time that I would have rather spent in the shop. The tree tore through five of the trusses on a gable end of our roof, and a branch poked through my boy's ceiling. When the tree hit the ground it flipped towards the house, and a branch approximately 6" in diameter tore through our master bedroom wall and smashed our bed. Yeah, that's right. Fortunately no one got hurt...the wife and kids were in the kitchen on the other side of the house, and I was at the grocery store. This is what I came home to (which wasn't nearly as disturbing to me as the lack of roof I now had)...but this is what's relevant to the project: So we were without a bed. Didn't matter...we were to spend the next three months in a hotel while everything was sorted out and the house was put back together. The crushed bed was actually a bit of a blessing (the only one in the entire debacle), because it was getting kind of old and we were wanting to finally upgrade from a queen to a king anyway. And insurance paid for the replacement...the agent didn't even flinch when I sent him the receipt for an expensive king when we had a ten year old queen. He didn't care. "Get the same brand and that's all I'm interested in." Cool. Marc had released the videos on the awesome bed he made just a few months prior to this, and that got me itching to build one too, before the tree had even fallen. Can you imagine if I had built it right away and finished it before the tree fell? OMG Just kill me at that point. Here's the @thewoodwhisperer 's bed for those who haven't seen it. Very cool piece. http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/king-size-bed/ I had been watching Doucette and Wolfe videos all summer at the hotel, and I just loved the cherry and curly maple, frame and panel bed they built. By early fall I was feeling a little burned out and stressed from all the work on the house, kids going back to school, work getting into the busy season, etc...and I wasn't feeling all that creative at the time. So I settled on building a similar design as the D&W. If ya can't beat 'em, join 'em. http://www.doucetteandwolfefurniture.com/Frame_and_Panel_Bed.html I made enough changes that I feel like they're two different beds, but D&W get credit for all the creative elements. The main difference is in proportion, where their bed sits fairly tall, which gives it a more traditional look IMO...I wanted to lower the profile a bit - and make it slightly stockier - for a somewhat more contemporary look...and I think that was achieved. Obviously I used different species, but other than that, I followed their lead pretty closely. I have a lot of thoughts about how the proportions changed the look of the headboard/footboard panel arrangement, but I'll hold off on that unless it's brought up down the line in this thread. That may or may not bore people. I'd been working on a couple sketches the same week that I got a call from the lumberyard...new shipment came in...you gotta see this walnut. So I headed up there and found the perfect pack of lumber that would easily cover the material needed. It was like divine intervention because I didn't have enough 8/4 of any species in my stash to cobble together the whole bed. That wouldn't really be ideal anyway because the color and grain of the mixed bag of boards would be all over the place. I was on the hunt for the right material and it just descended from the sky at exactly the right time. It was time to get to work. And I did. For like a few days and then I was totally sidetracked by work. I started this project just before Thanksgiving. Did most of the milling and final sizing of the parts, borrowed a Domzilla from a buddy and finished most of the joinery...then it sat as a stack of parts on my bench for the better part of six months. I just got too damn busy. So it sat. I'm easing into my slow season, so I was able to take a few weeks off to decompress and finish the bed. It was great to be back in the shop. I really missed it. Almost lost interest there for a minute...glad to be back. So I'll go through the slat support system and how I did the rail-to-leg connections because I told @Brian Runau I would, then I'll add some thoughts about a few elements of the piece. Rail connection: (Lo and behold, it turns out Systainers AREN'T useless after all! LOL ) Forgive the lack of finish in the bed bolt mortise...it will never be seen but that's sloppy and I should have taken the time to finish it properly. Shame on me but you'll have to let it slide. I used four 12x100 Dominoes for each connection, and one 4.5" x 3/8" machine hex bolt to lock it together. The Dominoes are glued in the rail ends (obviously) but not in the legs (obviously). I had a little interference from the headboard joinery at the bottom two rail mortises, so I shortened them by about maybe 1/4" or so. No biggie. It actually turned out to be a bit of a bonus for assembly, because it's much easier to get two Dominoes to poke in at the same time than four...and it kind of behaves the same way the head goes back onto a Domino machine...how Festool was smart enough to make one of the receiving rods slightly shorter than the other so it's easier to find entry. Genius. Anyway, it kind of worked like that. Bed bolt: I was playing around with the brass inserts that I used on the Bed for Junior: Anyway, I don't really like them. They're tricky to install. Somehow I managed to pull them off with Henry's bed but I did a few tests and they were just giving me trouble. Fighting me. Tearing wood out and stuff no matter what I did...and I only had so many to test or I'd have to buy another pack. So after a consultation with the League of Extraordinary Minds (LEM), I settled on foregoing the inserts altogether and tapping threads directly into the leg. I painted the hole with epoxy before I tapped the threads...not sure if that made much difference in the end but I did it anyway. It's an extremely strong connection and you can really torque the bolt into those tapped threads more than you think you can. Very strong. You can just feel it lock up when you tighten it. I gave one corner of the bed a pretty hefty bump with my ass...and it did not budge. Like a rock. Slat supports: 8/4 poplar glued (and a few screws) to the bottom of each rail will offer the primary support. Yes that's a walnut foot...I ran out of 8/4 poplar. No choice. Who cares. At each end of the center support there's a cleat glued and screwed to the inside of the bottom rails. I used a small half-lap and a couple screws to make that connection. Slats: I popped a single screw at each point of contact on every slat, but this is not something you have to do, totally unnecessary. Couldn't help myself, did it anyway. Also I used way more slats than are probably needed, but what the hell, poplar's cheap. More is better than less. No finish on the slats or center support. Just milled them, eased the edges, called it a day. The slats are 3/4" thick. And that's a wrap. Material selection: This aspect of this particular project is my favorite part. The lumber I was able to gather for this bed was some of the finest materials I've worked with to date. The walnut that had recently just fallen in my lap was by far the most perfect pack of walnut I have ever seen. 8/4, 10' boards, CLEAR from end to end, every one of them. Absolutely zero defect. Barely any sapwood. All 10" and wider, and they were all almost identical. Just a brick of Hershey's bars. Super rich color. It was a small pack, only 12 or 13 boards. It was obvious that they all came from the same tree, possibly the same log. I took half of them. I'd like to say the best half, but honestly what I left behind was no worse than the stock I bought. I should have taken all of it. I already regret it. But that stuff was gone in a couple days. Poof. And for all of you steamed walnut haters, I'll just get it out of the way...no, it's not steamed. Thanks for caring. The white oak I had for this project was particularly special. I've been sitting on these boards for at least 3 years, and they've just been waiting in my shed. I had actually forgotten about them until a few months before I started the project, when I went to reorganize a couple stacks and I spotted them in the back. There were two of them, the only two in the pack that looked like these. I snatched them up the same day they came in to the yard and I knew they were cool boards, but until I started working with them I didn't realize how crazy they were. Ray fleck along the edges, that river of dark heartwood that flows through the center, curl throughout, and the colors...browns, creams, golds, all swirling around and playing with each other. Beautiful. Goes without saying that the pics do the panels no justice. The camera flash washes out a lot of the colors, glare, shadows, etc. I'm not a great photographer. When you see them in person they just...GLOW. So what's the one thing? The one f@&*#$% thing that's gonna get on my nerves every time I think about it? Every project has one. I shouldn't even divulge it because most likely it's something that most people won't notice, even woodworkers...but in the spirit of full disclosure I'll let it out. I should have stretched the headboard legs by about three to four inches so that the bottom of the bottom rail was flush with or just slightly higher than the top of the mattress. That way the bed, made, but without pillows, would have a properly framed headboard...approximately just as much bottom rail in full view as the top rail. A proper frame. As it is, about two or three inches of the bottom rail are obstructed from view by the mattress and comforter. Also, when pillows are placed on the bed, they obstruct more of the view of the panels than I would have preferred. Should have stretched the legs. I think we can accurately call that...a mistake. Something I probably could have avoided if I would take the time to learn sketchup. Too bad I hate it. But, on the bright side, I am still extremely happy with the results here. I felt some real growth in this project, some of it hard to describe but it was there. Some of my techniques are getting more refined, workflow. Things went smoothly. For the most part. It was also the first big project I can remember not having to buy a single tool or bit or specialized shop item or whatever...this one was just lumber and finish. Screws. Everything else I had in the shop. I feel like I'm approaching shop completion...at least within the confines of this particular shop...but this is where I'll be forever, so I don't know how much more change I could make in my workflow even if I wanted to, given my complete and utter exhaustion of space. It's all fun and games... ...until you got to smell dis bref... ...then get wrastled... 45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisc Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 That turned out real nice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Nice! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Helluva job on the bed. When I built mine, I had the same screw up with the headboard. I to should have elongated the headboard legs. Your mention of it just sticks a thorn in my side, and I wish I had................................ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted May 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 3 hours ago, Lester Burnham said: I'm not very eloquent. No, you are. And that's well put and exactly how it is. Thanks man. 25 minutes ago, RichardA said: Helluva job on the bed. When I built mine, I had the same screw up with the headboard. I to should have elongated the headboard legs. Your mention of it just sticks a thorn in my side, and I wish I had................................ Sooorry! Hey, it's a learning process. I'll never make the same mistake again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Dis bref hahaha!!!! Awesome bed! Never seen oak like that, very special! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Beautifully done, E! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 KICK ASS! Looks good E. I've been waiting to see this for a while no. Love those panels. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Beautiful job, as always. I love the convex rail of the headboard and the concave rail on the footboard. Excellent wood choices and flawless execution. What's not to love? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SawDustB Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Very classy. The grain in those panels is incredible. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 After the aggravation for the time spent with a changed life for a while has passed, it looks like the fallen tree did you a favor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenskye Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Very nice E! Really great design and tremendous wood combination. I'm sure you factored it into the design, but even the comforter matches the white oak! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 1 hour ago, Eric. said: No, you are. And that's well put and exactly how it is. Thanks man. Sooorry! Hey, it's a learning process. I'll never make the same mistake again. Nor will I. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 beautiful work Eric, once again you've shown us great craftsmanship and attention to detail produces an awesome result, an heirloom for sure, nicely done sir! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bgreenb Posted May 12, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Unreal man. What a beautiful bed, and thanks for taking us on the journey with you through that monologue. Probably one of my favorite all time posts here. That's why you're a mentor Newbies take note - THIS is how you approach and think about a project. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Great story and a great piece of craftsmanship. I think it is pretty cool how D&W made a bed to match a dresser they previously made for a client, you echo that design but make it your own. I do like the proportions on yours better. It feels more grounded and masculine which is something missing in a lot of bed frame designs I see. The different grain directions on the panels totally works with the proportions and of course, I just love walnut anyway. I'm sure it wasn't worth the trouble of the house damage but, that bed has got a story behind it that is hard to beat. When your kids tell your grandkids the story it will sound like the 'walking 10 miles to school in the snow uphill both ways' routine but, its true. It's a winner all the way around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 #youshould have used red oak. Just kidding! That bed looks incredible, I think your material selection and execution were impeccable! And thanks for sharing your regret about the headboard design. I doubt I would have noticed it, and it really doesn't detract from the piece, even after you pointed it out. But now those of us who may have a bed build in our future have one more tidbit of knowledge to help us improve. Excellent, as usual, Eric. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgreenb Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Yeah I echo gee dubs thoughts about the story...make sure you tell that story to your kids. Or maybe even copy paste that post into a format you can keep around to give them when you pass the bed along to them. I know I would appreciate having something like that from my dad. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Fantastic piece of furniture and a great story to go with it. I would like to thank you for the inspiration you've provided & the higher standards that you've made me set for myself. Hope that wasn't too sappy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 The arrangement of the grain on the panels is superb ! Beautiful piece of furniture overall ! I have noticed the pillows covering part of the headboard on quite a few beds and only a few had a narrow extra panel across the bottom to push the featured panels up and put them on display. The brand is nice but you should sign and date it just below ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattF Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Beautiful bed!! Aside from the bed, the only thing I can think about, is thank goodness no one was in bed when the tree fell. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BonPacific Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Not much I can say that hasn't been said. Absolutely gorgeous bed... Though I think I'll remember that we now have photo evidence you used screws in a piece of furniture. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted May 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Thanks for all the compliments, peeps. High praise indeed. 2 minutes ago, BonPacific said: Not much I can say that hasn't been said. Absolutely gorgeous bed... Though I think I'll remember that we now have photo evidence you used screws in a piece of furniture. Nah, I'm not anti-screw generally...only when they're being used in a place where traditional joinery should be used. For secondary components that are completely hidden, I have zero issue using quality wood screws in those situations. I've never claimed otherwise and I've been using them in my work since the beginning. Using them because you're too lazy to learn proper joinery...yeah that's a different story. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Great looking bed, Eric. I like the choice of wood as well. I always enjoy seeing your completed projects. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wnaziri Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 That is a beautiful piece of furniture. You did a masterful job with the design tweaks and material selection. Kudos. The D&W bed is literally in my Future Project list. Your work inspires me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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