Childs Cradle
Friday, February 3rd, 2012Cradle is a perfect way to put your child to sleep. It’s design protects the baby from light and is very convenient to rock the cradle with one foot.
Page 543 in the part1.pdf document
Sample Child’s Cradle:
Child’s Cradle Parts:
Steps to build Child’s Cradle:
You’ll love this old-fashioned cradle as much as your ancestors did. The lightly arched canopy protects a baby’s sensitive eyes from harsh light. The convenient treadle bars allow you to rock the cradle with one foot while reading or knitting. In short, it’s the perfect way to rock your child to sleep.
1. Use the patterns provided to cut the shapes of the sides (A), headboard (B), and foot board (C) to the dimensions provided. Cut the angle ends and bevel edges as shown.
2. Cut the handles in the sides, and shape the top edge of each piece as shown.
3. Shape the edge of the base (D) to the profile of your choice; the pattern shown is a radius bead. To minimize splintering, shape the ends of the base first, then do the sides.
4. Sand all of the pieces smooth. A drum sander will be necessary to sand the curve in the sides and the pattern cut in the foot board.
5. Assemble the sides to the headboard and foot board with glue and
counter bored #8 x 1-1/2″ flat head wood screws. Transfer the pattern to the canopy support (E) stock. Hold it up to the assembled sides to mark the angles on the ends. Span the canopy support between the sides and secure it in place with glue and screws.
6. Attach the base to the bottom edge of the sides, headboard, and foot board with glue and counter bored screws from underneath.
7. Cut the canopy pieces (F, G) to size. While cutting to width, rip a 2° bevel on both edges of the center pieces and on the inner edge of each edge piece so the pieces form an arc as shown.
8. Starting in the center and working toward the ends, attach the canopy pieces with brads. When finished, sand the top for a smooth, rounded contour.
9. Cut two pieces of stock to 1-3/4″ each piece. Cut off the end caps and trim each piece to finished length.
10. Cut two pieces of stock to the listed dimensions for the rockers (H), then shape the pieces according to the pattern provided. Drill 1″-diameter holes in the rockers for the treadle bars.
11. Drill a 1/4″-diameter dowel hole 1/2″ deep in each end of the treadle bars and in the adjoining end of each end cap.
12. Insert the ends of the treadle bars through the holes in the rockers. Attach the end caps with 1/4″- diameter x 1″ dowels and glue. Then attach the rockers to the bottom of the base with glue and
counter bored wood screws.
13. Cover all counter bored screws with 3/8″-diameter dowel plugs. Sand the plugs flush, then finish sand the cradle.
14. Finish as desired; a nontoxic finish is best. Make sure the finish is applied well in advance of the baby’s arrival in order for the finish
to dry and lose its odor. A polyurethane finish is best.
Canopy Support Pattern:
Materials List:
