Expert: Jamie Yocono - 1/21/2007

Question
My question is simply this where do I find a pattern for a round baby bed ( crib )? I have looked everywhere and can't find one also on a scale of 1-5 ( 1=easy 5=expert only ) how difficult do you think such a task would be?
                         Thankyou Pollie Tipton

Answer
Hi Pollie,

I just typed out a long, detailed answer to your question, only to have my computer lock up on me! That is SO frustrating.  I will attempt another answer, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen again.

As I was saying......

I've been a woodworker for a long time, and I think your question is a great one. But- I've never seen plans for a round crib, nor have I seen one. I have a couple of questions- have you seen a crib like what you're interested in building? In a catalog or store? If I see a picture of one, I can usually figure out how to build it, so I can probably give you some pointers about it's construction.

Off the top of my (designer's) head, I would say it's definitely a piece that could be built. Think about it- most cribs have 4 legs, with 3 sides that are fixed, and one side that drops down for access into the crib. So if the sides were curved, you would basically end up with a round crib.

My feelings are that this is a pretty complex project, however. It would take some fairly extensive woodworking tools to build this, and on the scale that you mention, I think is on the harder end of the scale. At minimum, you would probably need a tablesaw, drill press, and possibly a router table setup. At least, those are the tools I would be using. But here are some thoughts...

Crib hardware and traditional hardware is available at Rockler Woodworking stores, a national woodworking company that also has brick and mortar stores. There are quite a few locations, so there could be one near you, if you live near a decent sized city. Here is a link to their crib hardware:  http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=1484

Next, there is a company that sells curved table aprons. I am pretty sure these parts could be adapted to be used for crib components. Here is a link to the pages that shows those parts: http://www.tablelegs.com/BaseKits/RoundDiningTableBaseKits.aspx

The curved sides of the crib could actually be constructed a number of ways- with spindles, or with curved solid sides. If you go with spindles, Cherry Tree Toys sells a variety of them, in many different sizes and species.  Check out these spindles: http://www.cherrytreetoys.com/prodinfo.asp?number=162-W&variation=&aitem=25&mite...

There are many companies that sell bent plywood sections, but I couldn't seem to find one that sells to retail customers. Most only sell wholesale to manufacturers.  But I just came up with a pretty interesting idea- what about purchasing a curved cabinet door, which are available in a variety of woods and heights, and adapting that to become the "sides" for the crib. I looked at one of my door companies and found these: http://www.eliaswoodwork.com/raddoors.htm

Pollie, I think you're the best judge of your skills, so if you think you have the equipment to build something like this, I can help you more. I'll end here and let you look at these various sites for information about the parts you need. As far as the tools and skills- you'll have to answer that for yourself. But as I said- this is a project that would require a good deal of skill and tools (like a 4 on your "difficulty" scale) so be forewarned.

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this. I think this is doable, and I love the idea of a round crib. How cool.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com