How to Build a Tractor Toddler Bed

Make a Strong Frame

• 1

  Use a router to make a rabbet cut 2 inches into each 4-inch end, 1 inch deep, on the 2-inch by 4-inch by 68-inch lengths of stock lumber. A rabbet is a rectangular recess along the edge or end of a work piece. Refer to the diagram that accompanies this step to make the cut correctly.

• 2

  Make a 4-inch long by 2-inch deep by 1-inch high rabbet cut flush with each end of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 36-inch lengths of stock lumber, coming in from the long side. Refer to the diagram that accompanies this step to make the cut correctly.

• 3

  Lay the 68-inch long pieces rabbet side down into the corresponding rabbet cuts in the 36-inch long pieces. Drill 1/4-inch diameter pilot holes in the positions indicated in the diagram that accompanies this step. Countersink all holes. Secure all pieces together using 1 1/2-inch long brass wood screws.

• 4

  Place 4-inch by 4-inch posts flush with all four corners. Position the remaining two posts midway along the long sides of the bed, flush with the frame. Drill 1/4-inch diameter pilot holes in the positions indicated in the diagram that accompanies this step. Secure the posts to the bed frame using 4-inch long, 1/2-inch diameter brass wood screws.

• 5

  Attach the four sides of the bed to the platform, flush with the top edge, using 1 1/2-inch long, 1/2-inch diameter brass wood screws. Place the 72-inch by 38-inch by 1-inch thick plywood sheet on top of the frame. Drill pilot holes beginning in the corners, every 6 inches around the perimeter of the platform, 1 1/2-inches from the edge. Countersink all holes. Secure the platform to the frame using 1 1/2-inch long, 1/2-inch diameter brass wood screws.

• 6

  Use a belt sander with coarse, medium, fine, and extra fine belts in that order, to sand the entire bed smooth. Apply 3 to 4 coats of clear acrylic wood treatment, drying 24 hours between coats.

Build the Tractor

• 7

  Fold each end of the 7-foot long, 3-foot wide length of Kelly green broadcloth sheets over 1 inch. Run a double line of stitches, 3/4-inch from the fold. Fold each end over again, 5 inches and repeat the double seam. This makes a casing for the 3 feet long PVC pipes. Insert the 3-foot long, 1 15/16-inch diameter PVC pipes through each end of the Kelly green fabric.

• 8

  Apply PVC cement to the last 2 inches of the outside of each end of the 6 feet long, 1 15/16-inch diameter lengths of PVC pipe. Insert into one side of a 2-inch diameter, 3-way PVC connector.

• 9

  Repeat Step One for the last 2 inches of the outside of each end of four of the the 3 foot long, 1 15/16-inch diameter lengths of PVC pipe. All open ends of the connectors should be facing up when the 3-feet by 6-feet PVC frame is laid on the floor.

• 10

  Apply PVC cement to the last two inches of the outside of the 18-inch long, 1 15/16-inch diameter PVC pipes. Insert them into each 3-way connector. Apply PVC cement to the insides of the last inch of each leg, and then insert PVC caps. You now have two tractor sides.

• 11

  Fold one end of the 10-foot long, 3-foot wide length of Kelly green broadcloth sheet over 1 inch. Run a double line of stitches 3/4-inch from the fold. Fold the end over again 5 inches and repeat the double seam. This makes a casing for the first 3-foot long PVC pipe of the tractor roof. Insert one 3-foot long, 1 15/16-inch diameter PVC pipe through the end of the 10-foot long Kelly green fabric.

• 12

  Assemble the 3 foot by 3 foot tractor roof frame using three-way PVC connectors, PVC cement, the remaining pieces of 36-inch long, 1 15/16-inch diameter PVC and the 4-foot long legs. Apply PVC cement to the outside of the rear PVC pipe.

• 13

  Drape the 10 feet long fabric over the rear PVC pipe, leaving the bottom edge loose. Press the fabric into the PVC cement to make a smooth seal. Tighten the 1 1/2-inch long, 1/2-inch diameter brass wood screws through holes in the 2-inch wide, 8-inch long plastic strips to secure the legs to the sides of the bed.

• 14

  Sew covers from black broadcloth for the 18-inch round and 36-inch round foam pillow forms to make tractor wheel pillows. Attach to the sides of the tractor frame using plastic loop fabric strips. Sew a yellow cover for the 6-inch by 3-foot by 18-inch rectangular pillow form to make the hay bale pillow.