Baby’s Cot: Episode 8
Posted 13 February 2019
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In this episode, Paul demonstrates how to measure and cut the slats of the cot. After configuring the slats and numbering each one, it’s time to fit the slats into the rails, but not before applying a water-based finish onto the wood. Paul glues spacers in between the slats in order to maintain the exact distance between them. After this, Paul takes you through fitting the frame fixings that connect the back and front frame to the long rails.
Important: Baby safety is a very important issue and many countries and regions have rules on how to keep babies safe. In building this cot we read through our own country’s guidance on this and we have done our best to interpret it and follow it. However, if you build a cot you should do your own research and make sure you follow the relevant guidance. This guidance changes regularly and differs from one place to another. Please do not follow what we have shown without checking it for yourself. The instruction we give should only be used as a starting point for the construction method. Setup, configuration and measurements of the cot you make should be checked to ensure that they are compliant with the guidance relevant to you.
Hiya Paul,
I was stressed watching you glue up. Glad it was ok in the end.
How do you angle the clamps to bring the frame into square?
Hi Howard,
Paul says the best thing you can do, next time you have a frame is clamp it up as a dry run and check yourself for square. Then angle the clamps in to see how the clamp moves the frame out of square or into square, then you will know which way and by how much in a real time glue up.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
You got me thinking about habits, when you’re not filming I wonder how often when you are blowing something out of the way you put your hand up to cover the mic?
Watching the second rail glue-up, it appears the slats only go in, at most, 1/4″. Am I missing something?
i
What is the wipe-on finish used here?
Hi Selva,
Paul uses a satin water-based furniture varnish by Ronseal.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
I’m really struggling to find some good quality furniture bolts. Can Paul recommend where he bought his from?
Hi,
Paul just got these ones via eBay.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
I think brass 5/16” (or 8 mm) bolts with threaded inserts might be a good alternative to the barrel bolts. Plus, I think I would countersink the bolts so that they end up below the surface, both for appearance and strength. With a brace and bit, it’s better to begin with the countersink hole, since the center of the through hole is then clearly marked by the tip of the snail. Similarly, the center of the threaded insert will be clearly marked by the snail. It has the added benefit of (possibly) being an easier process to line everything up accurately. Also countersinking the bolt head allows for the use of a small round “swing-away” key-hole cover brass plate to hide the bolt head if you wished.