The Technique of FURNITURE MAKING

Bedsteads

A typical sprung-base support bedstead with detachable bedhead and foot is shown in 462:1. Figure 462:2 shows a corner of the framework mitred and tenoned, and with glued-in plywood panel. This panel can be covered with material (grass matting, etc.) in which case the covering is glued on with a suitable adhesive (wallpaper paste, shoemakers' paste) and glued and pinned

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through the weave of the material to a suitable rebate/rabbet worked in the framework (462:3). The framework can also be caned if it is rigid enough to support the pull of the caning, which is fairly considerable over a large area. A shallow rebate is worked on the face, 1/2 in (12.5 mm) wide and sufficiently deep to take the thickness of about three layers of cane, with 1/8 in (3 mm) holes bored at 5/8 in (16 mm) centres. The inner face of the bed foot framework can be sheeted in with a plywood panel set in a corresponding rebate to hide the rough back of the caning. It is usual to make headboards about 6 in (150 mm) to 8 in (200 mm) higher than the foot to allow for the pillow, etc. Patent screw fastenings or locking plates are used to connect the wood side rails with the head and foot, and 462:4, 5 show a typical assembly in which the corner plate is screwed to the side rail, and slotted over special screws or nylon bushing let into the head and foot.