Crib

Comment

Comment by Jim Fishburn on February 18, 2011 at 10:04am

I found one picture that may help in explaining what I was speaking of.  I hope we are both on the same page on this.  If you notice near the bottom of the picture is the groove for the slats on the end piece.  In the center is the slats (with the filler) that I spoke of.  This is only square dowel, cut to the length and glued into the groove.  I left the slat loose and didn't glue it into place.  That way if one gets broken along the way, repair will be as easy as slipping one out and another in.  After this was done and the glue set, sanding was a snap.  Nut inserts are placed into the headboard and footboard and corresponding holes drilled for the 1/4X3 screws.  Again, hope this may help.

Comment by Jim Fishburn on February 18, 2011 at 8:47am

If you are speaking of the ends to the headboard and foot board, the answer is yes on the insert.  I call them "nutserts" and use 2 per end.  Let me look thru my computer for some of the pictures that I made.  In the whole construction of all of the beds, I used dowels, glue, and on the last 2 I used the Kreg tool to hold things together.  Makes for a very sturdy frame for it all.  Will get back with you and maybe have some pictures to send.  I'm not an expert on this but I have been on this road before and will try to help.

Comment by Kyle Schmiesing on February 18, 2011 at 6:03am

Thanks Jim,  The slats are 2.25 inches apart and have been pinned nailed into place.  I am still struggling on how to "secure" them with filler.  The pin nails are holding well for now but I need to figure something out.  Also did you use the cross dowels to hold it together?  I would like to use the threaded inserts and a 3.5 in bolt.  What do you think?

Comment by Jim Fishburn on February 18, 2011 at 12:42am

Kyle, great job on the crib.  I have buil 3 so far and I changed the config on the slats as well.  Suggestion:  Safety standards calls for the slats to be no more than 2.38" apart as to not allow for the baby's head to sip in between.  The last thing I did is to measure the depth and width of the groove where the slats are mounted.  Then I cut a filler to the length that will more or less hold the slat into place and avoid the movement and allowing the distance to firmly set.  A good glue will do the trick for holdg them in place.  You may have already done this.  Again, very good looking piece of workmanship.  Try Minwax.com as they have a large selection and videos all about finishes and natural stain for use around children.  Let us see what you have when you finish.  Hope this helps.  Jim