| Project by LesB | posted 12-24-2008 09:28 AM | 2455 views | 3 times favorited | 14 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
14 comments so far
ND2ELK
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13494 posts in 4790 days
#1 posted 12-24-2008 10:35 AM
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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16292 posts in 5234 days
#2 posted 12-24-2008 03:52 PM
Gorgeous cradle, Les… a real heirloom.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Don Newton
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732 posts in 4634 days
#3 posted 12-24-2008 06:17 PM
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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1207 posts in 4778 days
#4 posted 12-24-2008 06:25 PM
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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#5 posted 12-24-2008 07:25 PM
Fantastic!
This should gently rock to sleep many generations of your family.
-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins.
trifern
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8135 posts in 4783 days
#6 posted 12-24-2008 08:18 PM
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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2882 posts in 4459 days
#7 posted 12-25-2008 02:40 AM
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 4534 days
#8 posted 12-25-2008 10:28 PM
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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2744 posts in 4858 days
#9 posted 12-25-2008 11:39 PM
What a nice Job Kids will Love it
-- Jim, Kentucky
LesB
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2882 posts in 4459 days
#10 posted 12-26-2008 12:02 AM
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 [email protected] 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 4454 days
#11 posted 12-27-2008 06:20 PM
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
Sasha
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1281 posts in 2228 days
#12 posted 04-05-2015 09:16 AM
MIRACLE, Beauty. I want to wish – that it was never empty and in the house the children’s laughter was always audible.
-- Ganchik Sasha. Life is not a draft, tomorrow you will not redo......
handyman64
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71 posts in 2908 days
#13 posted 09-05-2016 07:22 PM
i seen your cradle on lumberjocks i love it , im trying to build one iv’e already turned some spindels but would like to look at your plans ,to figure out tow to do the rest lol .could you send me a copy sure would be greatfull codyh1964 @gmail.com
Peteybadboy
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3100 posts in 2965 days
#14 posted 01-16-2021 02:23 PM
I made a similar cradle for my sisters first, is is 30 something now and about to get married.
Yours is beautiful
-- Petey
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