Craftsman Style Bed Build

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This project is for our youngest's graduation gift -- I hope she likes it. We've decided to build it out of oak instead of cherry, so the final appearance will be different.

The stock from Blade Millworks in Strum, WI.

Start by forming the headboard and footboard posts.

Next square up posts, cut tapers, mortises and bevels and then plane smooth.

The rails are formed by creating dados in two boards and then gluing them together.

After trimming the rails to dimension and forming tenons on the ends, the headboard and footboard can be assembled.

At this point, I cut all the individual slats which fit in previously formed mortises and make the top trim pieces. After lot of sanding, the parts are stained and coated with gel varnish. Finally the head and footboard can be glued together.

Next the slats are inserted and the top trim pieces are glued in place.

Now the side rails are cut to dimension, beveled, glued together, and finished.

Lastly, the bed is assembled and mattress support pieces cut. I'm sure our daughter will like this one. Just one problem, now our middle daughter wants one too. When am I going to get time to work on that highboy?