How to make a chunky modern cot
I decided to build the cot for my brother Sam and his wife Hilary when I found out that they were expecting their first child. I felt like it was a pretty good excuse to get out in the shop and make some sawdust.
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YOU WILL NEED:
8 identical lengths for the front/back rails for top and bottom
8 identical lengths for the side rails for top and bottom
1 length to create spacers for the vertical slats
30 vertical slats for the front and back
12 vertical slats for the sides
4 leg posts
Wood glue
Woodoc 5 and imbuia stain concentrate
Router and assorted bits
Orbital sander and 180-grit sanding pads
Clean cloths
Mineral turpentine
Fine steel wool
Drill/Driver plus assorted drill and screw bits
Wood chisel
HERE'S HOW:
Step 1
On the top and bottom rails for the front back and sides, to make spacers for the vertical slats, I used a router to run a groove down the length of the rails and then glued spacers in to create the individual gaps to fit the slats.
GOOD TO KNOW
If you don't own a router or tablesaw, you can glue and screw panels together to create rails for the top and bottom.
Step 2
After the glue-up, I used an orbital sander and 180-grit sanding pads to clean up the edges. It seemed to work well and the glue joints were barely noticeable after applying the imbuia finish.
Step 4
The vertical slats are put in place and the top and bottom rails on each side are then glued in place. Make sure to wipe away any wood glue that oozes out, or this will spoil the stain finish.
Step 5
After gluing all the railed sections together it's time to add the leg supports. Measure, mark and drill out holes in the legs to accept the top and bottom rails for all sides. This will ensure a tight and safe assembly. You can use a wood chisel to start off and finish.
Step 6
Almost done. The main framework for the cot is assembled and all that's left to do is to insert supports for the base.
Step 7
Stained and sealed with Woodoc 5 and imbuia stain concentrate. The new cot takes pride of place in the nursery, awaiting the arrival of junior!
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