3-in-1 Bed

[Messman]

Well I have been busy out in the work shop for the past few weeks trying to get this 3-in-1 bed done before my grandson arrives If you don't know what a 3-in-1 is, it starts off life as a baby crib, turns into a toddlers bed, and then into a full size bed, so it grows with the child, in this case my grandson

 

I wanted to show the progress I have made. Now please keep in mind that every peice of wood here started off as 3/4" stock. This first picture is of the footboard kinda tucked away behind my work bench so I dont damage it, sorry you can't see the whole thing.

 

The second picture here is of the toddlers railing which I have stored in my garage right now because of the lack of space I have.

 

This next picture is of the headboard prior to installing the slates and toprail and if you look real close you can see the top of the footboard in the upper left side of the picture

 

This last picture is of the headboard in its final glue up stage with the slates in place.

 

I still have to make the full size bedrails. once that is done I will assemble everything to make sure it fits (I will take some pictures then as well) do some touch up sanding and then finish. I am going to use a water based satin poly on it, I am thinking 3-4 coats should do it. I hope you enjoy it. I have to say that I think that this is the finest piece of furniture to come out of my small shop.

[Barry5180]

Chris, that bed is looking fantastic so far. I can't wait to get a tablesaw again. Haven't had one for over a year so larger pieces like that are out of the question right now. I can't wait to see more pics as you progress. Great job.

 

Barry

[Messman]

Thanks Barry. I am using an elcheapo saw from sears. You know one of those starter table saws that cost less than a $100.00. I really could use a bigger and better saw though, cause with a better saw this projects would have been much, much easier and faster.

[Trimax]

thats looking excellent Chris! Can't wait to see it finished

really like the shaker style look

[Barry5180]

I know what you mean Chris. For years all I was using was a Ryobi benchtop saw. It required a bunch more finesse and setup to get decent results but it worked. Currently I'm looking at buying the Ryobi saw that comes with the miter sled and folding stand. My shop is really small, and it would give me the ability to roll it into a small dark corner or anywhere else I need to put it.

 

Barry

[Firedkm]

Chris I like the progress on the bed. Cant wait to see the finished result.

 

Did you design this yourself or was this a pattern from someone?

[Travis]

That's going to look sharp when done. I look forward to seeing it come together. Nicely done!

[Messman]

Thanks all. This came from wood magazine acouple of years ago.

[Messman]

Well I am hoping to do the first complete assembly Monday after work. I just finished gluing up and drilling the bed rails, which means there is only one more minor glue up that needs to be done and I will do that the day before I start putting the water based poly on it. I was hoping to do that this coming tuesday but it is not looking like I will be able to because the temp will be to cold, the heaters I have just don't warm up the shop enough, they make it warm enough to be in the shop with a jacket on, but that is it. I am praying for warmer weather over the next couple of days.

[Messman]

GGGRRRRRRRR >:( >:( What a day today has been. Nothing has gone right. I have been doing an initial assembly of the bed parts prior to finishing and 3 of the 4 corners went together great, but one corner just would not cooperate with me at all. Everything was lineing up great, or so it appeared. After messing with that one corner for 4 hours making ZERO progress, and took the cribe sides apart and reworked some stuff. Man I hope what I did will fix the problems I was having, because there isn't a second round of fixing those rails. I will be forced to rebuild them and that is time I can not afford to lose. I am now a day behind and I hope I can make up that time. GGGRRRRRRRRR >:(

[amazingkevin]

Wear a plastic garbage bag 30 gallon size with holes cut in it like a tee shirt and you'll be warmer than toast in record time under your coat!We but cardboard boxs over our windows folded up and that alone raised the temp erture to pleaseing. We have a space heated too. make the room smaller with plastic lightweight drop cloths.White man make big fire stand far away ,indian make small fire stand close!lol

[Messman]

Well all I didn't let this 3-in-1 bed get the better of me. I have finished the assembly of all the parts now all I have to do is some touch sanding and apply the finish.

 

Here are a couple of pictures for you all to see the first 2 are of the baby bed configuration

 

 

 

The next 2 are of the toddler bed configuration

 

 

 

The last 3 are of the full size bed configuration

 

 

 

[Clayton717]

excellent work Chris. That wis be treasured for years.

[Barry5180]

That turned out great Chris. I know that's going to be treasured for a long time to come.

 

Barry

[Travis]

That turned out amazing! The little one will love it (and mama I'm sure). Plus its nice to know that it will last for a long long time, unlike the garbage you can buy at the chain stores. You did a beautiful job on it. You should be proud!

[Messman]

Thanks all. The one thing I wish I could do again on it is the headboards cap (the Curved Part). It came out ok, but it could have come out much better. But I am still happy with it, because it was the first time I bent would like that.

[Messman]

Well I finished finishing the finish so I am basicly finished.

 

Here are a couple pictures of everything in the garage for finishing. I had to kick the wifes car out (not a happy camper about it either) because my shop was too small to finish the bed in.

 

 

I also signed each major peice where it would be hid from view when everything was together. I signed in between coats of poly.

 

[Travis]

Boy, that's something else. The signature adds a nice touch too. You did a great job on it. It will be cherished for many many years. Nicely done!

[Messman]

Well I just got back from delivering the bed to my very large bellied daughter. My tail end hurts so much I don't want to sit down, just too much driving. I will post a couple of pictures when I can use my desktop

[amazingkevin]

After you kicked her car out you'll be eating burned food for along time maybe. My friends wife burns the food all the time just so he'll order pizza instead ,for everybody.Thats her way of getting out of cooking."I love her but!", is a great book to laugh at every second,and on every page.It's full of the other sexs quirks.Your bed is really unique.Whats next?Now that your all limberd up!lol It's better to burn out than to rust.I'm anxious to start doing letters on the scroll saw like you do.Wish i could modifie my saw to stay tight so that i don,t have to buy another one again.i haven't been able to find a light that suits my needs and not fry my face while i'm cutting.Best i can find is 50 watt,150 halogen 50 watt halogen and a 35 watt halogen all shining at the target area.Still that leave room for disire.Their all on at the same time. Hows your lighting.?

[Messman]

Well as I promised here are the pictures from the delivery/visit

 

[grampa]

That looks great Chris give yourself a pat on the back a very professional job .....Paul

[amazingkevin]

Very very very nice looking sturdy bed!Real craftsmanship !

[Barry5180]

Awesome job on that Chris. I know they will cherish that for a long time, and eventually will go to their grandchildren. A piece you should be very proud of.

 

Barry

[shadylady0447]

Awesome job, Grampa Chris!! That is the coolest bed I've ever seen!