Newbie Project - Ash Twin Bed

[Mick David]

I'm pretty much a newbie, but finished my first 'real furniture' project -- a twin-sized bed for my 5-year-old son out of Ash. This is based on a design in "Beds" by Jeff Miller (Taunton Press). It's a pretty simple design that let me try out some techniques (M&T, gluing up the headboard, etc.).

I chose ash mostly because the grain was interesting and I thought it would be cool for a boy to have a bed from the same wood as baseball bats. The grain is pretty inconsistent, and the grain matching on the headboard was a challenge, but it's plenty strong and he really got a kick out of sleeping in a 'big boy' bed.

I welcome any comments / suggestions / etc.

Mick

[Jim Rimmer]

Nice looking bed but, man, you really need to get your son to use sunblock; that is one bad sunburn.

[Anthony Anderson]

Very nice Mick. I like the natural finish, and the grain. Ash is a strong wood and will last for many years. I'll bet your son was thrilled when he saw it, especially since Dad made it for him. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

Regards, Bill

[John Keeton]

Mike, that is some nice work! And, as Anthony said, it will be solid as a rock, and should last generations.

[Jerome Hanby]

Nice bed. Also nice to see the "redman" get ahead man

[Don Jarvie]

Nice bed, Elmo seems to be enjoying it!

[glenn bradley]

That came out great. Good choice on the light finish. Ash has an oak look but I found a dark finish to be challenging. I enjoy working with it and the price is right around here. Nice job for a deserving client ;-).

[John Thompson]

Looks great Mick.. you did a nice job of construction. The ash will last forever with any luck...

[Sam Layton]

Mick, you did a great job on your sons bed. He will enjoy his big boy bed for years to come. I see a matching desk in the future.

Great job, Sam

[Shawn Christ]

Congratulations Mick! Looks great - and I feel there is no better first furniture project than a bed for your child. He will have it forever. Well done!

I have a stack of what I think is ash in my basement (does yours look like this?). I got it for nothing and have no idea what to make with it. Your pics do a great job showing what it looks like with a natural finish.

[gary Zimmel]

Nice work on the bed Mick.
Must feel good to get the first of many behind you.
I'm sure you made your son proud...

[Gary Breckenridge]

Why do I think your grandson will eventually get that bed ?

[Mick David]

Thanks for the kind words, all. I'm looking forward to the next project and applying some of my newly gained wisdom (and gaining some more, of course).

[Chuck Moore]

Fantastic job. I like the fact mamma has not made you cover the side rails with a bed skirt...yet! Nice to let all of your efforts and that beautiful grain be seen.