WALNUT CRADLE

Hand planes play a major role in construction.

SHOP OWNER: Jim Reed

LOCATION: Marietta, GA

I built this cradle from a New Yankee Workshop plan. It is black walnut with a quilted maple bonnet support. I used the hand planes in the foreground in its construction. Except for the new #93, all of the planes have replacement parts and razor sharp blades, which I made myself.

I used a Leigh jig to dovetail the sides and an old Type-1 Stanley #48 to cut the tongue and grooves for the bottom. To attach the rockers, I used a long sliding dovetail joint, which is pinned with a dowel. I deviated from the plans and added an arched bracket between the rockers for additional support.

The finish for the cradle began by rubbing it down with a linseed oil and turpentine mixture. I finished with spray-on poly. My daughter was extremely pleased with the finished results. I hope the baby likes it as well! I have been posting on WC for years and, thanks to Ellis, I find it to be a comfortable spot.