Introduction: Folding Bed Bench (Hidden Cot)
I found a version of this bed at a local antique barn. I loved the idea of it and couldn't find any plans online. So here is my interpretation.
This bed works well for small basement suite my wife and I rent. We love having friends over, but if anyone needs to sleep over they are usually subjected to the floor. This handy bench solves the problem and provides a conversation piece at the same time.
This project posed a few complications. Precision and accuracy are necessary. Replicating 32 1x7/8"x24 pieces with 3 holes drilled in the correct spot is difficult.
Hardware is expensive, again everything needs to be the same. I tried to avoid using washers and discovered the leg pieces flexed and jammed against themselves. Washers solved this issue.
Finding material that can flex but is still strong enough. I chose this canvas but it will still need to be reinforced with a cotton belt along the edge to prevent the grommets ripping out of the fabric.
What I learned:
No need to replicate exactly what you see, I made the legs 1x7/8x24" because that's what the original was. It would be simpler to do 1x1x24
Mock everything up first
Sand after everything but before applying a finish.
Be flexible and don't stick to the original design if it doesn't work.
I hope to make another in the future and will post a more detailed instructable.
Hope you all enjoy the photographs.
Material:
Maple (Hardwood store listed it as "Eastern maple")
Thick canvas
Tools used:
Drill press
Thickness planer
Jointer
Table saw
Mitre chop saw
Cordless drill
Orbital sander
Hardware:
Hinges (x2)
8x2 wood screws (
6x 1 3/4 wood screw (x8)
3/16x 2 1/2 metal screws (x44)
3/16 nuts (x44)
washers (44)
1 5/16 eyelet (x16)
Brass grommets 3/4 (x14)
latch with eyelet (x2)
This bed works well for small basement suite my wife and I rent. We love having friends over, but if anyone needs to sleep over they are usually subjected to the floor. This handy bench solves the problem and provides a conversation piece at the same time.
This project posed a few complications. Precision and accuracy are necessary. Replicating 32 1x7/8"x24 pieces with 3 holes drilled in the correct spot is difficult.
Hardware is expensive, again everything needs to be the same. I tried to avoid using washers and discovered the leg pieces flexed and jammed against themselves. Washers solved this issue.
Finding material that can flex but is still strong enough. I chose this canvas but it will still need to be reinforced with a cotton belt along the edge to prevent the grommets ripping out of the fabric.
What I learned:
No need to replicate exactly what you see, I made the legs 1x7/8x24" because that's what the original was. It would be simpler to do 1x1x24
Mock everything up first
Sand after everything but before applying a finish.
Be flexible and don't stick to the original design if it doesn't work.
I hope to make another in the future and will post a more detailed instructable.
Hope you all enjoy the photographs.
Material:
Maple (Hardwood store listed it as "Eastern maple")
Thick canvas
Tools used:
Drill press
Thickness planer
Jointer
Table saw
Mitre chop saw
Cordless drill
Orbital sander
Hardware:
Hinges (x2)
8x2 wood screws (
6x 1 3/4 wood screw (x8)
3/16x 2 1/2 metal screws (x44)
3/16 nuts (x44)
washers (44)
1 5/16 eyelet (x16)
Brass grommets 3/4 (x14)
latch with eyelet (x2)