Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Repiring bed rails

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Expert: - 9/29/2009


Question
Hello,

First of all I just set up some woodworking tools my father (92) gave me because he can't use them anymore. So I am really a woodworking novice. As a first project I want to repair and refinish a set of maple bunk beds I used as a kid. Two of the side rails need to be replaced because the ends that hold the bedrail fasteners are broken. I found where to purchase the fasteners through from an answer to a question on this website, but I have no idea how to create the slot into which a fastener will be anchored. The old rails appear to be laminated hardwood plywood. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thank you,

Carl Singer

Answer
Hi Carl, a router with a slot cutter would do the job nicely. Hopefully you got a router in the deal....here's a link to a slot cutter so you can see what they are if you're unfamiliar - post back if need be- Greg

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2119

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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