First project

[Randy Rose]

Nice job Randy! What is the finishing schedule?

For this newbie the finishing schedule begins and ends with Watco oil !
and actually I applied two coats prior to assembly. I guess it doesn`t show in the pics or was a poor choice but it`s finished now. I`m going to practice more joinery before I even attempt the mysteries of advanced finishes

[John Keeton]

Not a bad choice at all, and certainly a wise decision to "prefinish" with all those hard to reach spindles.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I'd say that you're a mortise and tenon expert now. Be sure to post pics when done. I will be looking forward to seeing them.
-Jeff

[Brian W Evans]

WWW.speedymetals.com Lot`s of choices and fast service. Just make sure that you order everything you need at once as the shipping seems high, esp on a small order. Paid $18 shipping for 12 lbs, then $15 for 2lbs!
But, I had to have it..

I've used these guys before as well. IIRC, the shipping goes down the more you order (the first few items were $17 or so for shipping, the fourth was like $6, the fifth, sixth, etc., were $2, some were $0). So, follow Randy's advice and order lots of stuff. The metal itself is very cheap. I think I own a lifetime supply of brass and copper rods in various sizes, which I use for making integral hinges in boxes (a la Doug Stowe). Cost me about $75, including shipping.

[Karen Wagner]

I`m going to practice more joinery before I even attempt the mysteries of advanced finishes

Attempt??? All the work that went into your piece, all the research to know HOW to do it (quite different than actually doing it!) and your patience and perseverence - that is truly amazing! I'm just beginning woodworking / construction and am truly humbled. It will be years before I could ever tackle a project with so many details.

I'll be really happy if I can make a box that is square - and even a lid to go on it!!! Keeping the pieces together (holding/clamping) is my greatest challenge. Small hands/arms do not help.

Congratulations!

[Brad Wood]

Nice.

It really chaps my hide when I see posts like this... "first project"... and it is something outstanding like this.
I guess it comes naturally to some folks... not me

[JOHN BRODERICK]

Exceptional piece of work and craftsmanship!

John.

[Don Bullock]

Randy that sure is a great looking bed. For your "first project" you went all out with your effort and it seems that you succeeded. I'd love to see pictures when it's all finished.