Noob Project Plans and Tips

[sofa_king_rad]

I'm working on a design for a daybed for my almost 3 year old. I've found some stuff on the Anna White site to at least get started or give some ideas.

But, I figured i'd ask here before I waste too much time searching the web.

I'm also reading up on various thoughts on MDF vs Plywood, and where one is better than the other. My first project is a day bed and two book shelfs, one for each side. It will likely all be painted.

Anyway, any tips, resources whatever for a new woodworker/ festool fan....please share

 

[tjbnwi]

Plywood, solid wood anywhere you need structure.

Tom

 

[Dane]

I'd stay away from MDF for a child's bed.  Unless you are going to source it very carefully, the formaldehyde in MDF is not great to have off gassing under a sleeping kid.  I'd stick with PureBond plywood from Home Depot or all solid wood.  Same goes for particle board- no bueno for kids, or anyone really.

 

[Holmz]

I'd stay away from MDF for a child's bed.  Unless you are going to source it very carefully, the formaldehyde in MDF is not great to have off gassing under a sleeping kid.  I'd stick with PureBond plywood from Home Depot or all solid wood.  Same goes for particle board- no bueno for kids, or anyone really.

^That^ is generally true.
However there are a lot of European/Scandinavian pieces that use some type of MDF with veneer on the top.
I am not sure if plywood has zero glues in it, but probably less than MDF.

There has been a lot of talk about sealing and painting to trap the stuff inside.

The second issue is joinery... If it is sheet goods, then a domino may not be ideal.
So if you have a domino, then you may want to gravitate to real wood.
If you are painting it, then it could be poplar or anything.

Assuming it is only for a while (a few years), then maybe just select one and go for it?

 

[Aclaw]

I built a trundle bed/built in for my 4 year niece last year and my advice is to really look at what they are going to grab onto for handles, leverage, steps, etc.  I had to go back on some decorative paneling that was just used to cover up the frame and reinforce it with pocket hole screws from the back side.  Apparently this piece became a "step" of choice for the little one and the micro pins weren't ideal [wink]

Also just roundover as many corners as possible just out of caution.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

great feedback. [member=43074]Aclaw[/member] do yo have any photos?

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] - I don't have a domino, I have a kreg pocket screw jig as a backup for whatever more traditional joints I can't manage.

 

[Aclaw]

[member=60853]sofa_king_rad[/member] here is a picture of it while painting.  There are built in wall sconces and you can see the pretty harsh corners that needed rounding. Basically it's just a 2x4 frame skinned with 1/2 in birch ply. The bottom portion is a pull out trundle bed on wheels for sleepovers.  Hope it helps

 

[guydot]

This is what I built for my 3yo son. It was my first woodworking project. It's made of construction cedar https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=ude7ecac8-1ef2-413c-8a65-6b27a74745e3

He is still scared of the slide

 

[Kev]

If it was me it would be plywood structure and upholstered over good padding.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

So many of the Plans I'm finding are using plywood and 4x4's that they cut down. Some i've seen are even using standard pine from somewhere like H ome D epot. 

That doesn't seem right to me. I'm still learning about wood and how to buy it, how it is sold. The hardwood dealer i found pretty much everything was 1 by .... Probably a proper term for this. So do Is it common to glue your own posts for or spend the money and order bigger size?