Fun Bunk Bed!

There's seems to be a run on beds these days. In addition to the contemporary headboard I posted about recently, I'm working on the bunk bed pictured below and another bed with an upholstered headboard. More on that one at a later date.

This bunk bed has a built-in bookcase on one side, drawers in the staircase leading to the upper bed, a few secret compartments, and all kinds of other neat features. It's a huge amount of fun to try to put myself in the mindset of a nine-year-old as I imagine what I can do to make this piece really special.




Since most folks eventually grow out of bunk beds, the lower bed and its nightstand (not pictured) will be nice enough for the young lady for whom I'm making this piece to take with her when she leaves the nest.

Is Lie-Nielsen Worth the Price?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Yes if it's a tool one uses constantly.

I recently purchased this Lie-Nielsen #4 smoothing plane, and it is a pure pleasure to use.  I chose the bronze version because it's a good bit heavier than the ductile iron version they offer.  I like to think that a heavier plane contributes to smoother performance.  Hopefully it will at least contribute to leaner biceps!

Contemporary Headboard In Progress

I'm presently working on a very contemporary headboard for a distinguished gentleman in New York.  For all of its elegant simplicity, it poses many interesting challenges, mostly those concerning the piece's weight and the correct veneering of its larger surfaces.  Below is a drawing of the piece.

Here's the piece where it stands tonight.  The large ends are veneered, and I'm in the midst of making a larger vinyl vacuum bag to accommodate the headboard's face.  That's the large sheet of plastic you see in front of the piece.

I love the veneer we're using on this bed.  It's rift-sawn, smoked white oak from Austria.  "Smoking" is similar to the "fuming" popularized during the Arts & Crafts period, but is essentially a longer, more extreme version.  Once oiled, this wood goes a very, very deep and rich dark brown.

I'll write more about this one as it progresses.

ALERT: CUTEST WOODWORKER EVER

If Lucia isn't the cutest baby on the planet, then she's definitely the cutest baby who knows how to handle a back saw!  I hope this photo doesn't get Jamie in hot water with the Mrs.

Sorry I've been away so long, folks.  I've been super-busy in the shop, which is my favorite problem to have.