any woodworkers out there willing to help with plans for swedish cupboard bed?

mamabear · Nov 12, 2013

I know this has nothing to do with MD'ing, but I have been wanting to build one for yrs, & feel like it might be the right time. can't find plans on-line, so I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me draw up plans. I have an old door I would like to use in it, & some old round wooden columns from demolished house I would like to use.
Here is a pic of what I would like to try.
Thanks ahead for any help.

hvacker · Nov 12, 2013

Many woodworkers don't work from plans. Its an innovative process. I know this doesn't help with your project but the only help I can give is for you is to butcher a lot of wood first. Before long you won't need help or a plan. Luck on your path. May the Gods of wood be with you. BTW a small sacrifice can't hurt. A bit of sawdust under a special tree maybe.
I like your spirit of reclamation.

mamabear · Nov 12, 2013

Thanks Hvacker. I have done building projects before, but the main thing I am wondering about is the base layout. I'm thinking it should be built like an overgrown window seat, higher & wider. with storage space accessible through door panels. Maybe I should just move to Sweden or Norway & buy a place with one already built. Oh wait, you need lots of cash for that. I better get out & start finding coins! (hows that for a segway from beds to MD'ing)

Dave44 · Nov 13, 2013

You could partition the space under the bed with 3/4 ply panels, but that doesn't give you 1 big open space. You could frame under the top, It redistributes the weight to the front and back. Good Luck!

onfire · Nov 13, 2013

MB Your best bet (If you have one is a Rockler store)( It;s a woodworking store ) There are many old timers that visit that place and willing to help.
If you don't, a lot of county parks have some great woodworking facilities with plenty of good help.

mamabear · Nov 13, 2013

Okey dokey, I will try to find some woodworkers in the area. With all the farming around here, most folks "make do" which means make it yourself cuz you can't afford to pay anyone to do it.

Red James Cash · Nov 13, 2013

I looked around a little mama but couldnt really find any plans,pictures yes.plans no.Its not to difficult to draw up your own plans.Read up on some websites on and about technical drawing.As long as you have the dimensions of where the bed is going,as where a window seat would go,the rest isnt to difficult.

Frankn · Nov 14, 2013

OK, someone mentioned Rockler. This is one of my suppliers. rocklerpro.com
They supply woodworking parts and kits that most only dream about. They sell plans and parts. I noticed a bookcase bed, which is a Murphy style bed you might be interested in.
Now the easiest wayto build what you picture is to place your bed in a corner and literally inclose it. It would'n take much to do it that way. A face plate for the front'side' of the bed and frame in the end. Good luck. frank...

onfire · Nov 15, 2013

Frank, posted twice the same? taking lessons from the KING?? :laughing7:

Dave44 · Nov 15, 2013

onfire said:
Frank, posted twice the same? taking lessons from the KING??

My posts have doubled a few times,, I try to go back and delete one of them when that happens,, A weird glitch.

In my previous posts I don't think I was clear enough. It is a simple cabinet you are building. It is longer so it will need extra support that you can be obtained by using cabinet building techniques.

calisdad · Nov 15, 2013

hvacker said:
Many woodworkers don't work from plans. Its an innovative process. I know this doesn't help with your project but the only help I can give is for you is to butcher a lot of wood first. Before long you won't need help or a plan. Luck on your path. May the Gods of wood be with you. BTW a small sacrifice can't hurt. A bit of sawdust under a special tree maybe.
I like your spirit of reclamation.

hvacker is familiar with the process. Follow his lead. I've built several beds. They are not hard. I like your concept. Whether it's a house a roof or a bed I always tell my crew: 'Do what you know.' The answers will come in time. I will say decide what size bed you want first. You don't want to be making custom sheets.

Enjoy the journey.

Frankn · Nov 16, 2013

onfire said:
Frank, posted twice the same? taking lessons from the KING??

No, he did it 36 times. lol. I moved the image and deleated the original, I should have checked back. Frank...

Limitool · Nov 22, 2013

calisdad said:
hvacker is familiar with the process. Follow his lead. I've built several beds. They are not hard. I like your concept. Whether it's a house a roof or a bed I always tell my crew: 'Do what you know.' The answers will come in time. I will say decide what size bed you want first. You don't want to be making custom sheets.

Enjoy the journey.

I totally agree "decide what size bed you want first" and then engineer around that. I rarely work from plans either. And If your building this bed into a certain space already outlined / bordered / enclosed it gets even easier from there. The above pic looks like twin or queen size and supporting this with space below shouldn't be hard. Honestly, from the material your describing you will find "no plans". You may (as stated before) use some more wood then needed... but man will you "dummy up" quick. Your project is a custom project.... and I wish you the best Mamma!!!!!! .... Brad

mamabear · Nov 23, 2013

thanks for the input folks. We don't have a rocklerpro here, & the help at lowes & home depot was anything but help. so I will go with what I know which is minimal at best, & usually requires a little extra cutting, & of course more materials than I should need, but I do have to factor in my mistakes. Am using some old doors to give it that Swedish look, & pieces I have found at garage sales. Will post pix when done. In the mean time this is the beautiful I have now. A worse for wear, but it is an antique & I do treasure it. But my daughter would like to have it.

mamabear · Nov 23, 2013

oh ya, just replaced the 40 yr old chipboard with 3/4" plywood. The stuff didn't come up easily, it splintered & broke into itty bitty pieces. I now officially hate chipboard, then there were in some places as many as 5 layers of tar paper under chipboard. once stuff has been there so long it does not wanna give up the ghost. So as ugly as the plywood is, I love it! there was a lot of blood, sweat & curses, but it was worth it someday I hope to get wood flooring, but daughter is in college, need I say more?

calisdad · Nov 23, 2013

That's a nice bed. I had one similar.

Regarding support: I have a king now (74' x 72" I think). I have it on 3 1/2" slats spaced 3 1/2" apart with no other support under it and I'm sure I could take out half of the slats and still be fine.

mamabear · Nov 23, 2013

I got rid of my king size bed when my hubby & I separated. just took up to much room. Now I have a full & like it much better. Have to put of building new one til tuition is paid, (probably many moons).

packerbacker · Nov 23, 2013

I see you live in Missouri. Have you checked with an Amish community in your area? They do classical work and they won't take you for a ride. My brother in Iowa had some come in and rebuild some of the wooden windows in a very old house. Here's some leads for you.
missouri amish furniture - Bing