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OP Loft Bed

Started by scuzzy, December 15, 2008, 23:22 hrs

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scuzzy

I'll be busy the rest of this week making a loft bed for our 13 y/o daughter; the youngest of six.

I combed the web and found this OP Loftbed Gallery where people show off the loft and bunk beds they made using OP Loftbed plans. As you can see, some of the people who put these things together were quite creative.

I purchased the plans for an XL twin, tall loft bed, and I went out to Lowe's and purchased the lumber and hardware, along with a few other things that I probably didn't need. :)

I'll try some before, during, after pics as I'm able.

Scuzzy; wish me luck
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

pat

Looks like a fun project, just keep aCe away from the power tools.

We made a set of bunk beds a couple of years ago, mainly used cedar so it would fit in with the rustic house finish. That was a fun job. Last year I went to an Ikea store and bought parts for a bed, the legs and mattress supports and just went out and bought 4 boards for the frame. That was an easy fix for a new bed frame using a futon mattress.
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Bill

Good luck.  I noticed in several of the pictures that many rooms were fitted with ceiling fans.  Probably a very good idea.  The temperature near the ceiling is substantially higher than at floor level.

Looking forward to the pictures.


Bill
Antec 3700 | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz | 4 GB (4x1GB) DDR2 PC 5300 Kingston RAM | Antec NeoPower 550W | eVGA GeForce 9500GT 1GB 128 bit PCI Express 2.0 | Intel SSD X25-M 80GB | VelociRaptor 150GB | WD 80GB 7200rpm |Samsung 22x SATA Burner |Windows 7 32-bit

Mark H

Good luck scuzzy! I am looking foward to the pictures.

Mark H
Enjoy the nature that is around you rather than destroying it.

scuzzy

#4
I'll try to chronicle this project as I go along, mostly to encourage others. My wood working skills are moderately good, but nothing fantastic. My biggest challenge is usually just getting started.

Click on a photo for its larger image...


Megan's room in its current state, which is still a work in progress. She and Mom spend a few weeks in the summer (with lots of interruptions) custom painting her room and ceiling fan. The boxed window includes storage, which we plan to eventually finish with seat cushions.


How to properly make a bed.  ::)


Part of my 30' x 30' workshop / garage. The Hitachi table saw is now a few years old, purchased from Lowe's after conferring with Pat. It's been a great tool.


I had to spend $80 on this Bosch orbital sander for this project. My 20-year-old Black & Decker sander is in no condition for this job.


This is what I'm going to use for the miter cuts. :)


A pile of 2 x 4 fir studs, along with a redwood 2 x 6 for special effects.


A pile of 2 x 6 fir boards, and another redwood.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

I have an appointment this afternoon, so not too much will be accomplished today. It's just as well since we are are experiencing some frigid temperatures here. The wood needs to stay indoors to warm sufficiently for proper gluing. I'll probably be doing a lot of sanding tonight.

Scuzzy; I just need to stay indoors.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

#6
Here's Megan helping to build her bed:

Click on a photo for its larger image...


Megan learning to use an orbital sander.


Click for a short WMV format video (about 437 KB download). The background music that you blast for this sort of project is critical. :)
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Mark H

So now we know the truth about who is building the bed!  ;)

I played the video, but couldn't make out the music over the sander noise.

Mark H; Maybe we should get a daugher for construction work.
Enjoy the nature that is around you rather than destroying it.

scuzzy

#8
Here's more of Megan helping to build her bed:

Click on a photo for its larger image...


Megan learning to use a miter saw.


Click for a short WMV format video (about 733 KB download) of Megan making her first cut.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

#9
We spent a lot of time on the safety aspects before we got to the saw. Then I spent some time showing her how to handle the saw properly by making a few cuts while she watched. We did a few dry runs, and then I allowed her to make the actual cut. She confidently made two or three cuts before the night was over.

I owe it to my daughters to teach them well. I never assume that they can't do certain jobs just because they're girls. This will also give her a sense of accomplishment and pride when the project is complete. For now she's excited about helping, and I'm enjoying time with my baby. In the process we're making good memories.

Scuzzy; think thrice, measure twice, cut once
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

#10
Quote from: Mark H on December 17, 2008, 19:38 hrs
I played the video, but couldn't make out the music over the sander noise.

It's Bungle In The Jungle, by Jethro Tull
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Mark H

Scuzzy,

I think I have that exact same miter saw stand and sliding miter saw. I love my Dewalt! I noticed the stand on the floor in another picture and thought it might be the Dewalt Miter Saw Stand.

Mark H
Enjoy the nature that is around you rather than destroying it.

Mark H

One safety concern I see in the picture of Megan using the oribital sander is her pull strings are hanging down, which could get caught in the rotating shaft of the tool if she were to get closer to it accidentally.

Mark H; Safety is the key to any project
Enjoy the nature that is around you rather than destroying it.

scuzzy

#13
Unfortunately the miter saw is not mine. I borrowed it from our oldest son for this project. I'm fairly confident that he won't let me keep it.

You are right about the safety concerns. I was not paying attention and I did not notice until I went to poast the photos. We've had a discussion about loose clothing, hair, etc., and the problem was resolved before we got to the miter saw.

This project is going slower than I anticipated. I think that we spent around 15 man-hours sanding all the wood. It was quite an effort, but it's done. The basement is a mess as dust from the sanding is everywhere. The frigid temperatures have forced us to do the job indoors.

Megan has so far maintained a great attitude and has been a tremendous help, including with the cleanup effort. She's really enjoying the power tools, and she is easy to teach.

Due to a couple appointments tomorrow, and a promise to take Megan shopping followed by a movie at home, we probably will not be able to continue until my next set of days off. However, our 20 y/o daughter, Nikita, is getting married on Dec 30. So it may be a couple weeks before we can put another big dent in this. I don't expect that we'll get any work done on Christmas, either.

Click on a photo for its larger image...


Four completed legs. It took a gob of glue and 36 each #10, 3.5" star drive screws to put these puppies together. Each leg is 90 inches tall, and composed of one 2x4 and one 2x6. All the screws were properly counter sunk prior to assembly.


The remaining wood that still have to be cut, drilled, etc. At least it's sanded.  :P
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

#14
We've been slowly moving along. We were able to work on this yesterday and today; mostly cutting the wood to proper lengths. Our next goal is to drill the holes and begin assembly. I hope to be able to work on this tomorrow, but I might have to put it off until next week after our daughter's wedding.

Click on a photo for its larger image...


This is the mattress support. The pieces are just sitting together on the floor, but they are not assembled.


A close up of the miter and notch on the mattress support.


The woodpile in its current state, not including the legs. (See above poast.)
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

I bought the plans for $10 online from OP Loftbed. I have pretty much followed them along, but I have made some modifications. I'll elaborate once the bed is completed.

So far I'm pleased with how this is coming along, albeit it's a little more work than I expected. Nothing serious, though, and I think the end product will be worth the effort.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Bill

Nice looking miter!  Did you cut the notch with a router or the miter?

Bill
Antec 3700 | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz | 4 GB (4x1GB) DDR2 PC 5300 Kingston RAM | Antec NeoPower 550W | eVGA GeForce 9500GT 1GB 128 bit PCI Express 2.0 | Intel SSD X25-M 80GB | VelociRaptor 150GB | WD 80GB 7200rpm |Samsung 22x SATA Burner |Windows 7 32-bit

Bill

There would also be a glue line on the ends if it were 2.

Bill
Antec 3700 | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz | 4 GB (4x1GB) DDR2 PC 5300 Kingston RAM | Antec NeoPower 550W | eVGA GeForce 9500GT 1GB 128 bit PCI Express 2.0 | Intel SSD X25-M 80GB | VelociRaptor 150GB | WD 80GB 7200rpm |Samsung 22x SATA Burner |Windows 7 32-bit

scuzzy

I used my table saw to cut the notch by setting both the blade and the fence for a 3/4" cut. It worked out well and required very little clean up.

I will most likely use my router to cut the lap joints on the X-braces, though. The OP fabrication instructions would have me using a circular saw and a chisel to do the job, but I think I'll fare much better with the router.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

In case anyone cares, I weighed the wood and hardware. The total weight came out to 267 lbs. I estimate that the twin XL mattress will add about 60 lbs, for a grand total of 327 lbs.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Bill

Sounds like final assembly should be 'in place.'  Moving that will be a task, particularly if it's a second floor bedroom.

Bill
Antec 3700 | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz | 4 GB (4x1GB) DDR2 PC 5300 Kingston RAM | Antec NeoPower 550W | eVGA GeForce 9500GT 1GB 128 bit PCI Express 2.0 | Intel SSD X25-M 80GB | VelociRaptor 150GB | WD 80GB 7200rpm |Samsung 22x SATA Burner |Windows 7 32-bit

scuzzy

Most of the materials are in and around Megan's bedroom, which is on the main level. We'll be starting the drilling and assembly soon.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

scuzzy

#22
We pretty much quit for the day. This project will have to be continued next week after our daughter's wedding. At least it's taking shape.

Meanwhile, poor ol' Megan will be forced to sleep on the basement sofa while watching TV. Poor, deprived, little girl.

Click the photo for its larger image...


One lucky Daddy!
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Bill

Looks to me like you have made great progress!  And the oxymoron is hilarious!

Bill
Antec 3700 | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz | 4 GB (4x1GB) DDR2 PC 5300 Kingston RAM | Antec NeoPower 550W | eVGA GeForce 9500GT 1GB 128 bit PCI Express 2.0 | Intel SSD X25-M 80GB | VelociRaptor 150GB | WD 80GB 7200rpm |Samsung 22x SATA Burner |Windows 7 32-bit

Ace

I don't know if an oxy moron is one really clean moron, or a big one, but I guess the tee shirt helps other cops know you're an undercover one so they don't shoot you by mistake thinking you're not a cop when you really are. One. 

Ace: I wonder if Penney's has a tee shirt that says "T Shirt" on it.
Ring bells for service.

scuzzy

It's a big, clean moron on oxygen.

Scuzzy; I want a bumper sticker that says "Bumper Sticker".
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Mark H

Scuzzy, it seems you have made progress on that bed. I can tell you are definitely more handsome than Ace in that picture!

Mark H; No bells on curled up shoes for me
Enjoy the nature that is around you rather than destroying it.

scuzzy

Okay, you got me there. I looked really hard, but I'm not finding Ace anywhere in that picture.

Scuzzy; sneaky Ace is soooo sneaky.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor

Ace

#28
I don't "sneak"... I may nap, or lurk, or jest on occasion, or wet mop.  But I don't "sneak."

I ain't no where no how near that dang photo.


Ace; not no where, no how.
Ring bells for service.

scuzzy

Geez. I just realized that there is some sort of tumor growing from my elbow.

Scuzzy; I should get that checked out.
Antec Performance TX640B Case | WinXP Pro SP3 & Win7 64-bit | Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale LGA 775 3.16GHz Dual-Core | 8GB (4x2GB) PC6400 G-Skill RAM | eVGA 7600GT 256MB PCI-E | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 16MB Cache | 74GB WD Raptor SATA 8MB Cache | 320GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 16MB Cache | External 640GB WD Caviar SATA 32MB Cache | Sony DRU-V200S DVD/RW | PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500W | Samsung SyncMaster 2494 (24") LCD Monitor | LG Flatron W2361V (23") LCD Monitor