Build a Baby Cradle
It is intensely exciting to have your first child. Creating the ideal nursery is every parent's dream. One satisfying experience is making the baby its first cradle. Although a cradle can only be used for a month or two, until the baby learns to turn over and lift its head, it is still rewarding to know your baby is sleeping in something made by your own hands. If you use hardwoods such as oak, cherry or walnut, your baby cradle will last through several children, and could even become a family heirloom. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Decide what type of wood to use. Oak, cherry or walnut are excellent choices for baby cradles. You can use high grade plywood, but the cradle will only last through one child's use.
2. Cut all pieces needed. Use a jigsaw to cut the half circles with an 18" radius for the rockers. Carefully sand each piece with coarse, medium, fine and extra fine sandpaper, using a belt sander for the coarser papers and sanding blocks for the extra fine.
3. Drill holes for all the screws in the 24" by 36" by 1/2" pieces. Drill 3 holes in each end of the side pieces. Drill one hole 2"from each edge and one centered between the first two screws. Make a mark on each side of the 24" edge to show screw locations.
4. Measure 6" from each end of the flat side of each rocker piece. Make a mark two" from the flat edge for each. Drill your first screw holes at those two points.
5. Lay half circle flat on table. Position 18" by 36" board so that the 18" edge is parallel to the flat edge of the circle. Move the board until each edge is 2" from the outer curved edge of the circle and mark with chalk line. Repeat for other half circle. This will mark the correct placement for the bottom piece.
6. Drill 3 holes in bottom piece, on the 1/2" edges, 2" from each side and one hole centered between them. Mark holes. Place board against rockers, along chalk line, and drill holes in correct positions. Countersink holes on outside of each rocker. Do not countersink any other holes.
7. Sand all pieces again to assure smoothness. Carefully brush away any sawdust. With a rag dipped in lemon oil, beeswax, or oil soap, buff all pieces. Allow all pieces to dry 36 to 48 hours.
8. Paint all pieces on one side with child safe paint. Allow to dry 24 to 36 hours. Repeat for other side.
9. Assemble baby cradle, using wood screws and a power drill. Attach the sides and bottom to one of the rockers, then to the other. Sand all screw holes smooth. Apply 3 to 5 coats of clear, child safe acrylic to entire cradle, inside and out. allow to dry 36 to 48 hours before use.
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