Making A Modern Bed with Traditional Joinery

I made the bed mostly from solid ash hardwood that I bought rough sawn. The rough lumber needs to be cut and planed down to make the smooth parts used to make the bed, starting with the rails.
The panels of the headboard and footboard are joined to the legs with sliding dovetails. The dovetails mechanically hold the joint together, while also allowing the panels to expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes.
I used traditional joinery rather than metal hardware to put the bed together. The rails have tenons on each end that goes through the legs, and a walnut wedge locks the parts together.
The slats that support the mattress are 1/2" thick and 4" wide strips of solid hickory and these rest on cleats fastened to the rails. I cut spacer blocks to fit between each slat to keep them separated.
The bowties were added to the headboard as a decorative element.
I used water-based polyurethane to finish the wood, spraying on three coats with a light sanding between coats.
This bed was designed to match the night tables I made a few months ago:
• Modern Design Night Ta...
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[@JohnHeisz]

I made the bed mostly from solid ash hardwood that I bought rough sawn. The rough lumber needs to be cut and planed down to make the smooth parts used to make the bed, starting with the rails. The panels of the headboard and footboard are joined to the legs with sliding dovetails. The dovetails mechanically hold the joint together, while also allowing the panels to expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes. I used traditional joinery rather than metal hardware to put the bed together. The rails have tenons on each end that goes through the legs, and a walnut wedge locks the parts together. The slats that support the mattress are 1/2" thick and 4" wide strips of solid hickory and these rest on cleats fastened to the rails. I cut spacer blocks to fit between each slat to keep them separated. The bowties were added to the headboard as a decorative element. I used water-based polyurethane to finish the wood, spraying on three coats with a light sanding between coats. This bed was designed to match the night tables I made a few months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqqTmY2qnZWUeck

[@nirgosh]

Great video. Build videos are the best. Voice over would be nice too.

[@nur_alam332]

Saya fans anda.saya juga pengarajin kayu tapi dengan segala keterbatasan alat.di Indonesia alat alat mahal tidak sebanding dengan harga jual hasil karya

[@peggyt1243]

John - that bed is strong enough for Hagrid.

[@smithjaan247]

Price?

[@bisonbomber500]

Are you selling the plans?

[@bluebearbank247]

I am sure I am just one of thousands to say this but don't we all appreciate no click bait thumb nail, no intro, no sponsor talk, and straight to the point video? Everything about his video is perfect and so soothing... very informational and honest video which is extremely rare nowadays. I am actually over joyed finding this channel. John, Thank you.

[@musamor75]

Couldn't agree more, and believe you me, I've watched several hundred to say the least. Some of the Japanese videos are superb as well. But this John is simply great. I love his workshop- EVERY machine is rebuilt entirely in wood by his good self. He is something of a wood genius. Great channel- no fuss, no mess, no ads.

[@timexironman1]

I would like to hear him talk and explain things instead of listening to machines running

[@gumbyboy15]

A little commentary on what he is doing and why would certainly make it better.

[@Msquynhtram]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bewoproductions9097]

7,952 ideas, tips and tricks packed in one 11 minute video! It’s like reading 17,348 woodworking periodicals in 11:19 minutes.

[@Genetikx]

The walnut wedges won me over

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

It's so cool to see you using all those tools and tables and jigs you've made over the years. And working so well!

[@bombers519]

This is beautiful. Fun watching you work on this.

[@nickkropat8857]

Beautiful. Looks so good next to the night stands you made before. The sliding dovetail construction is a great idea that I am going to borrow. Love it!

[@erikoldin9433]

Wow. I really appreciate this one. The craftsmanship, the design and the editing. Great job!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Beautiful bed John, amazing work! 😍👍🏻👊🏻

[@turner5643]

The shop vac funnel to the custom lid trash can. Subbed 45 seconds in.

[@barry.w.christie]

There is still nothing better than watching a well made joint going together ... and the final result, simply stunning!

[@musamor75]

Verrrrry nice bed project. Simple, clean lines, traditional joinery, nice light woods, clean lines of design. Simply a lot of great ingredients to make a lovely lasting project. Mr Heisz must have a very happy wife! I love the workshop; the way it exudes wood from start to finish. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and ideas. This is a great channel indeed. God bless. Greetings from France.

[@adamspivey]

This will be an heirloom for whoever gets the privilege of owning it. Well done!

[@refactorear]

That was beautiful. No narration, just ambiental sound. It almost looked like a tribute to Ishitani Furniture. Bravo!

[@mbmurphy777]

There’s a lot of nice bed designs on KZbin but this is definitely one of my favorites! Really nice work

[@drglobule8a]

Very elegant. The curves give lightness to what would have been a heavy-looking frame. And the walnut wedges and butterflies are a great touch.

[@FeelingLikeThatNow]

I love your style of no nonsense carpentry.

[@scientist1200]

I wasn't sure about the bowties, but then after seeing the bed put together, I really did like them.

[@ConwayT91]

This turned out amazing, an heirloom piece

[@btparker08]

That ash grain looks great. I like the simple router jigs to make those sliding dovetails. Simple jigs to make complex cuts and joinery.

[@markhedquist9597]

Awesome. Just awesome bedroom set. The bed works perfectly with the side tables. Almost like you planned it that way. I really love the style here. Quite subtle, yet very beautiful details. Very nice. Very nice.

[@rafvdp6391]

Amazing work and beautiful outcome. The bed and the night tables look fantastic together. Guaranteed to have a good sleep and come up with more amazing projects. 👍

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :) Dreaming up new projects every night!

[@vmitchinson]

Aww sweet dreams!

[@erlpen2016]

What a beautiful bed….better yet….what a beautiful piece of art….it doesn’t belong in somebody’s house….it belongs in museum of modern art….

[@hafezmostafa7408]

باللغه العربيه بنقول علي شغلك ( اللهم صلي علي النبى ) تسلم ايدك يامعلم المعلمين

[@Vikingwerk]

Beautiful craftsmanship, and I love the video without music, just peaceful shop noises!

[@capemaster123]

Amazing work John!

[@aucomint]

I really like the way this bed looks like. Maybe a source of inspiration for a further project. You did a very good job John. Thank you so much for sharing the whole process.

[@sapelesteve]

Very impressive work John! Love the looks and the joinery that you used. I would call that an heirloom piece! 👍👍👏👏

[@regularguy9264]

I guess a dresser in this style might be next? This is a beautiful bedroom furniture line you are creating.

[@donaldmumaw]

It's beautiful 👍 Thanks for the video!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks! :)

[@daifeichu]

That bed turned out really nice.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@financialplanningsolutions]

I really liked that sliding dovetail technique of using the table saw first to not kill the router bit (our yourself!)

[@echoewest2685]

This was especially useful because you used sacrificial snipe boards with the dewalt planer. If you can’t beat that then it’s a sure bet mere mortals like me can’t. Thanks for sharing!

[@louisfkoorts5590]

John! Still doing the great stuff, after all these years. Beautiful... Thank you. 🖐🏻

[@brianwarner7523]

That is one of the best looking designs I've ever seen. The quality of work is excellent, but that elegant simplicity of the design style is next level.

[@nonameHEF]

Nice to see a build video again. Thank you very much.

[@eduardkhaimov9927]

Beautiful hand crafted traditional bed. Great work

[@kurshinburshin9784]

Let the woodworking speak for itself. Simply complex. Very cool

[@micklatham3425]

What a beautiful bed.i make beds for a living, so I know what I'm talking about. That bed will last for generations, and will always look good.no matter how much styles will change in the future. You should be proud of yourself. Great work 👏

[@GamertoGigachad]

I would love to learn how to woodwork with this level of attention to detail and craftsmanship. I get so frustrated when I cut something wrong, there's chip-out when routing, wood is warped, etc. Lumber is so expensive these days and I feel like I can't afford to make mistakes and it's so discouraging in my small shop without a planer or jointer (or knowledge for that matter) to mill my own boards. Incredible build, much respect to the amount of patience a project like this takes. Subscribed.

[@edwardchester1]

Loved the trick of using the step drill to widen the hole for the spade bit. Very smart.

[@mypony891]

Thank you for the wonderful presentation, especially without the techno music. You did a fantastic job and I learned a couple of new ways of making the jointery

[@ApteryxRex]

Excellent video John. Great to see so many of your shop tool & projects being used to make the bed frame.

[@enduser7790]

I know I don't always take the time to comment on your videos, but your work is always beautiful. This bed is no exception. Thank you for sharing your craft.

[@paulgeier7324]

these are the kind of videos you make that make you a great maker thank you from a guy that has sawed board before

[@FishersShop]

Just beautiful, John. Amazing work

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Drew :)

[@seansysig]

John the bow ties really pop up this already beautiful design.

[@mtozzy11]

That's really nice very simple but elegant

[@pg-mtl8815]

That headboard is never coming apart! Love the use of traditional joinery instead of metal hardware. My challenge would be in getting the sliding dovetail centered it the posts, with matching pieces... Love the relief cuts on the ts before routing. Brilliant.

[@alimajid9048]

Very clean design done by a master carpenter God bless you

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

What a gorgeous looking bed! It has a sort of Japanese flair to it.

[@audidoo480]

I think I might actually be in love with those self made long clamps, even them are a thing of beauty 💯

[@troyharlow24]

Really enjoyed this on Mr. Heisz

[@shmiggz]

Amazing job John!

[@275jesuss]

Hi from Japan. The original tool here, the meaning spreads to the place where you handle it yourself. Amazing paper blades. It's playful and like an echo, ideas are born. I used to enjoy here. Have a good day. / all 🔔 ""

[@charleswilson9930]

All that can be said is Beautiful John!

[@brentgravois7955]

your workmanship is amazing

[@kurandsmapagmahal.t.v]

I've had a few close calls in the past, and I've learned the importance of wearing Softgle.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I like the push things

[@sk13ppy]

Awesome work! Very impressive bed! Just need to find someone to make it for me. 😂🤎

[@andymoody8363]

What a crafstman, beautiful to watch. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@GregsGarage]

I love the joinery John! The sliding dovetails got me right in the feels!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@danthefrst]

So simple yet quite beautiful. Humble but with noticable precense. Damnit John the more you do and the more i watch your output the more it is noticable that your design talent is getting more and more exquisite.

[@Madsynth1987]

Man, this really makes me miss the wood shop.

[@rossmckenzie2283]

Sleep well John knowing that it is all your own work. Well done.

[@TheWeekendWoodshop]

Fantastic build John

[@ripa220]

What a gorgeous bed. John, you never cease to impress. Thank you much for the inspiration and technique.

[@EngineNo9x]

Amazing!

[@mikdin1]

Impressive. And you build your own clamps, tools, and jigs. Very Nice.

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

it is beautiful. The ash is spectacular and another fantastic example of your craftmanship. I keep trying..

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@daboo123]

Traditional joinery with modern tools. I like it.

[@markantinore6418]

Really nice work John!

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

A really nice little trick using the cut off to prevent snipe when you’re planning!

[@amaliopratti2068]

I loved every inch of this build! I 'm still trying to process your hand clamps. Quite remarkable sir. Keep these builds coming and I will carefully watch. I like the design with the arch at the footbaord and the Black Walnut accent shims and inlays. Gorgeous dude!

[@lindamcd1217]

So so beautiful! I love the attachments and the inlay. I'm so jealous. 😅

[@sc0or]

Nice, very nice. It have to modulate a solid positive mood.

[@rwhite9994]

I actually liked that knot, gave it character. Maybe some epoxy, then filler, and sanding. Just my preference.

[@garychadwick1240]

Stunning design and craftsmanship. I wish you would give us a little longer at the end to view the finished item. It deserves it!

[@tworiversworkshop6111]

What a lovely job you made of the bed. Great to see a mix of hand tools and power tools. Excellent video.

[@KipdoesStuff]

I have been waiting for this build for months, not disappointed. Great work as always John.

[@Remiaiki-bj9jy]

Good année 2024 mister ,your job is fantastic .Merci du partage ,c'est le plus classe que j'ai trouvé.Bravo à vous John 👏✌ Rémi

[@benjaqsonworkshop9974]

Such a beautifully designed and built bed. Fascinating how such fine, intricate joinery can be made to look so simple. Thank you for sharing this.

[@baconsoda]

Now, that is really elegant. Great job, B.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Brendan :)

[@JoshWrightWoodworking]

Bed looks great, I like the way you made the angled wedges at the tablesaw, I hadn't seen that before

[@mahtay2000]

Mesmerising. What an artisan

[@PrimalEdge]

this was the PERFECT video for a quiet Sunday afternoon... great job & awesome build!

[@ciptajatiabadichannel81]

This is beautiful bed my friend...👍👍👍

[@johnwhitley2898]

Very elegant bed frame, right along with the night stands!

[@Kiz027]

beautiful job - got my screwdriver set the other day, those are pretty nice as well!

[@obieewon]

Bed frame an side table's are amazing 👏

[@EngineerMikeF]

You definitely know how to make your bed

[@ginawhite3728]

Beautiful

[@BillHantzopoulos]

Just beautiful John!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Bill :)

[@smiffy5467]

Great looking bed John.. 👍

[@rodross540]

This was masterful. Well done and inspiring.

[@paulkramer4176]

I've made a few beds, mortised and tenon, and pretty happy with them. But I must admit, this was well done. I'd rather Bed Bolts than the tenon and wedges, but that is just me. Great video and I love the little things that you've made. Great filming too!

[@negotiableaffections]

Beautiful. I learnt a lot watching you make the relief cuts on the tablesaw before routing out the dovetail slot - couldn't have expected the dovetail bit to hog out that much by itself, nice work. Oh, and sleep tight John.

[@10FingersWoodworking]

Great job. After all that work, it is nice to have a place to take a nap!

[@zhyvchikbos]

It looks very stylish! Never seen anything like it before. You are a great master!

[@daviddavies6844]

REALLY LOVE IT YOUR A GREAT CARPENTER ...HOPE ITS ENJOYED FOR YEARS TO COME...N.S.W. AUSTRALIA... DAVID.