Should I glue slats

[dltflt]

Here are. Couple of pics of the headboard of a baby bed I'm making for my new grandson.

 

[tjbnwi]

I don't think it is necessary.

Tom

 

[dltflt]

Thanks Tom. That is what I was thinking but wanted the opinion is experts.

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks Tom. That is what I was thinking but wanted the opinion is experts.

One should be along to answer your question.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

Looks very nice by the way, nice fit up of the slats.

Tom

 

[dltflt]

Thank You. Made a jig to make the 1½" mortise with the required spacing. It is solid cherry.

 

[NineFingers]

Nice looking headboard!  Do you have a picture of the whole crib, or a view of the plan?

 

[dltflt]

The crib is not done yet.  Today I just dry fitted the headboard.  What you see there does not have the cap on the arch.  I will post finish pics when I'm totally done.  The plans are from woodnet.com.

 

[Tayler_mann]

I would at least glue the ends and maybe 3-4 in the middle. I am building a headboard with something much the same,however, I am glueing everyone. I hate when the mortise hole gets slop and things wiggle and make noise. Mine is also for a customer so I am being picky. Looks very a nice project you got going.

 

[Rob-GB]

As these are not shouldered tenons on the slats then I'd say no, glue squeeze out may impair the finish where the slats and stretchers meet. Depending on the finish you use it will fill any slight gaps around the mortises making it all look spot on any way.
You have a lucky grandson to have a gramps like you  Look forward to the finished pics. [smile]
Rob.

 

[dltflt]

Thank You gentlemen for the advice and nice comments.  I'm looking forward to getting done.

 

[Mikeyfondu]

Nice job ! Lucky grandchild ! Spoiled already, I love it . What kind of finish do u plan on putting on it ?

 

[dltflt]

Thanks. I am planning to clear coat with poly. But want to test a piece with Shellac. I like the natural color of cherry plus it will darken over time.

 

[Mikeyfondu]

May I suggest something non toxic, I painted my sons crib, it was giving to us from my family. During research for the paint, that is what they suggested. make sense you dont want he/she breathing this or chewing on it. here is a site I found about clear coats and cribs take what you want front it. http://www.earthpaint.net/Wood_Finish_Cribs_Polyurethane.php
I am sure there is alot more info out there if you do a search.

Natural cherry is very beautiful I would have to agree!

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If the slats fit snugly, and it looks like they do, no need to glue them.

That is a very nice piece.  Sure to be a family heirloom!

BTW, shellac and wax is my go to finish for cherry.  Between coats of shellac, you can rub on a bit of stain for a glaze to get just about any color you like.  I'm making a cherry dresser just now, finish is 3 coats shellac, a light glaze of Bartley's gel stain Pennsylvania Cherry to add a little red, and then 5 more coats shellac.  Sounds like a lot of coats, but shellac dries fast.  Whole finishing schedule is an easy morning's work.  I let the shellac cure for about a week before rubbing it out with wax on a grey scotchbrite.

 

[AlexThePalex]

You don't need to glue them fully like you would with a piece that's structurally important, but maybe put in a little drop to fixate the slats so there's no chance they start to wiggle in the future. 

 

[dltflt]

Thanks for link to the non toxic finish [member=30179]Mikey f[/member]. Thanks Jesse and Alex for your input.

Man I love this place you can get so much good information and all you have to do is ask.

 

[Tayler_mann]

As these are not shouldered tenons on the slats then I'd say no, glue squeeze out may impair the finish where the slats and stretchers meet. Depending on the finish you use it will fill any slight gaps around the mortises making it all look spot on any way.
You have a lucky grandson to have a gramps like you  Look forward to the finished pics. [smile]
Rob.

Just use a toothbrush and some warm water to clean the glue. Works perfect I just did it on these 64 dominos and Ill do the same when I glue in the posts. everything is pre-sanded through 220 and will stay that way. You should always clean any glue corners this way or a similar method. No one wants to see the glue! Unless you don't care if you see it or not, but I know I sure wouldn't want too!

Joints like this always slop out and have play like my grandmothers 50 year old rocking chair. When ever you rock the slats would make this clunking noise. Drove me insane. There is a difference in furniture that lasts 10 years and furniture that lasts generations.

 

[morts10n]

You could always drill through and pin them will round/square dowels. Contrasting wood like walnut or ebony would look excellent!

 

[DaleR]

Just finished this bed and did glue the slats. I included the toddler portion (see "parts" pix) and think glue was mandatory for this part. For the slats I used slow drying glue, followed by quick attention to squeeze-out.