Baby Cradle Building Instructions

Sketch out a full-sized drawing of the cradle design onto a large sheet of paper, using the dimensions from the cradle design plans. Glue the sketched design on a piece of 1/4-inch hardboard by spraying adhesive onto the back of the paper and pressing it onto the hardboard. Smooth the wrinkles out of the paper using a sharp-edged ruler by pushing them outwards toward the sides of the hardboard.

Make templates from the sketched designs by cutting them out with a band saw. Lay the new templates on top of a solid wood panel and trace the shape of the template onto the wood panel with a pencil. Use a band saw to cut out the cradle components.

Cut four 1-inch wide by 1-inch thick wood strips for the bottom of the cradle. Cut the strips the same length as the cradle width. Attach one strip at the bottom edge of the cradle's headboard, footboard, right side panel, and left side panel by using wood glue to glue it into place. Use a screwdriver to insert screws to secure the wood strips.

Attach the headboard to the right side panel by applying a generous amount of wood glue to the edge of the headboard and pressing it against the side of the cradle. Insert 3 small screws along the edge of the sideboard to secure it in place.

Attach the footboard to the right side panel by applying wood glue to the edge of the footboard and pressing it tightly against the sideboard. Insert three small screws along the edge and repeat this process to attach the left side panel of the cradle.

Insert the bottom of the cradle and secure it in place by inserting small screws around the perimeter to attach it to the support rails. Apply wood glue to the cradle rockers and press them to the underside of the cradle. Insert screws from the inside bottom of the cradle to secure the rockers in place. Stain or paint the cradle to your liking.