I am just getting started in woodworking and my first big project is going to be a toddler bed. I am planning on making it out of oak for the foot, head boards and rails and poplar for the mattress supports for both strength and look. I am hoping it lasts through four children. My question for everyone is how thick do my rails need to be? The local lumber yard only carries 4/4 wood. After milling it to square it doesn’t seem like they would be terribly thick. I am guessing around 3/4″. I have a book with a toddler bed in it (not the bed I want to make though) and the rails were a little more than 1″ thick. Would gluing two boards together be okay. I don’t think I have read anything on face gluing. Any help would be appreciated.
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Replies
With the material you have, why not try and make a U shaped channel, out of three pieces. A top cap, that overhangs the two side aprons,which capture the balusters? I hope this makes sense.
John
I don't think I quite get it. I guess the first question is what do you mean by baluster? Do you mean I should use a U shape for the rails? Right now my rail design includes cleats attached on the inside that will hold the crossbeams that will support the mattress. How would this work with your U design?
Edited 5/23/2008 10:22 am ET by iamrip
Face glueing is no problem, it is done all the time. Just make sure your stock is flat, spread an even coat of glue and clamp it good. You won't have any problem.
Scott
Thank thickness will be great. It's the width (up and down, in this case) of the rail that has most to do with strength. And if your using relatively clear oak, your already one up. So I can't really tell you how wide to make them, but just a little wider than with thicker stock. Maybe try standing on a test piece or something.
Brian.
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