| Project by LesB | posted 341 days ago | 380 views | 1 time favorited | 11 comments |  |
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Here is a cherry wood cradle I made for my daughter’s new born son. The inlaid heart is purple heart wood. The bottom is melamine coated hardboard to resist moisture. The cherry wood was stained with “cherry” colored Danish oil and then finished with water base varathane.
It is constructed with the intention of it becoming a heirloom so I installed threaded inserts for the bolts holding it together. When it is no longer actively being used it can be disassembled and stored compactly for the next generation. I also used nylon/plastic bushing on the pivot so it would remain quiet and smooth.This is my fourth in this design. The first three were made in red oak. One has already survived my step son’s 4 children. I guess they will have to fight over who inherits that one (-;
One problem I have not resolved is the bed tipping when the child turns over. I think some sort of locking pin between the upright support and the bed needs to be devised.
The background of the original picture was not very presentable so I zapped it out and replaced it with the black
-- Les B, Oregon
11 comments so far
ND2ELK
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6240 posts in 674 days
posted 341 days ago
Very nice looking cradle. You did a beautiful job on it. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
CharlieM1958
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7696 posts in 1118 days
posted 340 days ago
Gorgeous cradle, Les… a real heirloom.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Don Newton
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533 posts in 518 days
posted 340 days ago
I made a similar cradle 16 years ago for an In-law and always wondered what ever happened to it. Last summer I spotted it in a loft in their garage awaiting the first grandchild.
-- Don, Pittsburgh
griff
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942 posts in 662 days
posted 340 days ago
Very beautiful, the design and finish looks great. Very good build.
-- Mike, Bruce Mississippi = Jack of many trades master of none
lew
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4515 posts in 655 days
posted 340 days ago
Fantastic!
This should gently rock to sleep many generations of your family.
trifern
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7896 posts in 667 days
posted 340 days ago
Destined to be a family heirloom for generations yet to come. Thanks for sharing.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
LesB
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555 posts in 343 days
posted 340 days ago
I see a typo where the number of step grandkids was left out…there are 4 so it that one has already earned its keep.
One small point I did not add was that is has nylon bushings in the pivot so it will remain quite and smooth when rocked back and forth. Kind of important when you are trying to get the baby to sleep!
Thanks, Les
-- Les B, Oregon
proud2bcanadian
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4 posts in 418 days
posted 339 days ago
Beautiful cradle! I’m getting one started right now. What size are the slats that you used? I was planning on using 1” wide by 3/8” thick but I’m not sure if they’ll be too flimsy!
jim1953
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1614 posts in 742 days
posted 339 days ago
What a nice Job Kids will Love it
-- Jim, Kentucky
LesB
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555 posts in 343 days
posted 339 days ago
proud2bcanadian; Regarding the Cradle by LesB
The slats are 1/4” X 3/4”. I can email you a PDF copy of my working plans complete with dimensions (computer cad drawn) if you would like to get all the specifics. Send your email address to razee2545@mypacks.net. This is an alternate email address I use and I do not check is daily so it could take a day or two for me to respond.
-- Les B, Oregon
RogerLee
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17 posts in 338 days
posted 337 days ago
VERY NICE! I really like the inlayed heart. I have not tryed doing any of that kind of stuff yet, but it is on my to try it list. I like how you made it so it can be stored. Very forward thinking in the design.
-- Roger