My third e-book is available for download. It contains many photos and illustrations and even a link to the SketchUp model used for this project.
Every now and then, a really special project presents itself – one that helps move the woodworker into a new direction, is challenging and most importantly turns out well.
Such was the case with the queen size bed I completed this year. I called the project "The Tornado Bed" because it is being donated to the tornado relief effort resulting from the terrible tornado out break that occurred earlier this year.
Even though I have been woodworking for almost three decades, I had never attempted a bed before. I don’t know why not; as designed, this bed wasn’t extremely challenging. There certainly is a need in my home for a bed of this type. I could use two actually (so I need to get busy!).
Now I have the pleasure of adding a successful bed project to the list of things I have constructed, and early in 2012 another "first" will take place. It will become my first donated project - it will be given to a family who had their home completely destroyed on the morning of April 27th.
For now, I have a recap of the design and constuction process, along with a little background about the tornado event itself since that day was so central to this project. It is offered as a e-book in a magazine format titled Making a Queen Size Bed Step-by-Step. Here are a few images showing some of the content:
This is my most comprehensive e-book to date. It contains the following:
- 17 pages, recently updated with additional views.
- More than 25 high resolution illustrations.
- A full cut list and several exploded views.
- Other links to web based information.
A super cool project plan experience - Sawtooth Ideas.com
Making a Queen Size Bed Step-by-Step is available as a free download from Sawtooth Ideas. This new site provides a unique way to view project plans. You can download them in the normal way; as a PDF file, but the plan becomes interactive with their IdeaRoom software. You can see the finished project in 3D, a 3D exploded view, and even zoom in and find dimensions for specific components, again in 3D. Best of all their IdeaRoom software is available for use on a mobile device like a smart phone or tablet.
To get this plan free at Sawtooth Ideas, click here.
A note about my woodworking plans: I go to great lengths to organize them so they will be easy to follow. Prior to building a project, thoroughly read through the plan and make sure you understand all of the process. If you find something to be confusing, all you have to do is email me your question and lets talk about it. My email address is jeffobranch@hotmail.com.
Give me some feedback please by leaving a comment!
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6 comments:
This looks terrific, Jeff! I especially like the landscape three panel layout for the step-by-step. And lots of pics are good =) (not going to ask how many hours in sketchup this took...)
On a completely unrelated note, how much skill do you think it takes to make a flat panel shaker style cabinet doors using a handheld router? router table? any recommendations on what to look for in an inexpensive yet decent quality tool? Thanks!
A little skill. It isn't the most difficult thing to do, except you have to be extra careful with a router. :)
Take a look at this blog post...
http://www.woodfever.net/2010/12/tv-console-two-frames.html
...and note the fourth photo. I am basically using a 3/8" slot cutting bit in a hand held router to cut the grove for a panel. Your process would be similar.
On the Tornado Bed, I cut the panels, rails and stiles with my table saw. I would consider that a more safe way to do it.
Thanks for the complement on my e-book. See ya.
WOW! Jeff, the images you have look amazing. Your layout, design and inclusive information are really impressive. Your kindness to others continues to impress me! I hope your proud of the finished product. Congrats.
Thanks for the kind words Jason, but believe me the damage inflicted by those tornadoes was such that this bed is only a drop in the bucket.
Even today, more than six months later, there are still articles in the local paper about the impact of the storms. News reports on local TV as well. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
I would like to have seen more step-step instructions instead of having to figure out what you did and how when a picture throws in a step I didn't know anything about. I'm working on this now and am spending a lot of planning time.....
Santa,
Send me am email at jobranch@yahoo.com with specifics and I'll be happy to help.
Jeff
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