How to Make a Handmade Crib
- 1). Use a tape measure and framing square to measure and mark cut lines on 2-by-2-inch pine lumber for four pieces, 18 inches in length. Measure and mark cut lines on 3/4-inch plywood for three pieces, two of them at 34-by-30 inches and one at 58-by-34 inches. Use a circular saw to cut the 2-by-2s and 3/4-inch plywood pieces.
- 2). Use two L-brackets on each of the 2-by-2-inch pieces to attach them vertically at the inside of the four corners of the 58-by-34-inch piece of plywood, with their outside edges 2 inches away from the edges of the plywood -- i.e., make them inset instead of at the edge of the plywood.
- 3). Sit the base assembly of the crib upright, with the plywood mattress base over the four crib legs. Use the tape measure, framing square and straightedge to draw a vertical line on the upper surface of the 58-by-34-inch plywood base, along the long axis and 3/4-inch in from the edge. Repeat this procedure, drawing an identical line on the other side. Measure and mark an identical set of 18 drill holes on each of these lines, 3 inches apart starting at a point 3 inches from the end.
- 4). Use a power drill to drill 3/4-inch holes 1/2-inch deep at all 36 drill holes.
- 5). Measure and use a jigsaw to cut 36 pieces of 3/4-inch pine doweling 31 inches in length.
- 6). Measure and cut two 1-by-2-inch pieces of pine lumber for the top rails on the sides. Cut them with a circular saw. Lay each of them on a flat surface, then draw a centerline along the upper, flat and long axes of the pieces. Measure and mark the same 18 drill holes with the same size and locations as the holes on the mattress base. Drill 3/4-inch holes 1/2-inch deep at all the drill marks.
- 7). Hold one of the 34-by-30-inch pieces of plywood with its 34-inch side on top, and place it on the end of the 58-by-34-inch mattress base. Mark, drill and drive 3/4-inch wood screws through L-brackets to attach the end panel to the mattress base. Repeat this process on the other end. Invert the assembly and drill four 1-inch holes, 3/8 inches in from the edge -- i.e., centered in the width of the side panel -- and 7 inches apart along the connecting edges of the end panel and the base.
- 8). Apply construction glue to one end of the pieces of doweling, and insert them into the holes in the top rail. Repeat this process on the other top rail.
- 9). Invert the top rail assembly and apply construction glue to each of the dowels. Insert the pieces of dowel into glue-applied holes in the mattress base. When fully inserted, the ends of the top rails should be resting squarely on the top surface of the end panels of the crib. Repeat this process on the other top rail assembly.
- 10
Use a wood rasp and sandpaper to clean up and smooth all the edges of the crib. Use wood putty to smooth out the plywood cuts. Prime and paint or stain and varnish all the surfaces.