Step 27: Final notes
Man that was hard work... I should have just made that Pet Rock and called it a day. But you know what? I've got myself a nice little futon now that can be broken down and taken with me when I move again. And just like with a Pet Rock, I can swing the 2x4s to kill zombies in the coming apocalypse.
In case you didn't notice, this Instructable is a little longer than average. Obviously, this can be attributed to the highly customizable nature of a project such as a futon. I encourage you, if you are comfortable, to make this project your own by customizing in ways both big and small.
I don't have the necessary software to do this myself, but if anyone who decides to build this wants to draw up plans and cutouts and post them up, I'm sure the community would be very grateful.
Although the design I presented here is certainly college dorm-worthy, I'll be the first to say that there are plenty of improvements that could probably be made. The folding mechanism could use a little work to remove sag, and the joints could be strengthened. I highly encourage anyone with the know-how (or the power tools) to improve on this design to give it a shot and post up your results in the comments.
However, for a beginner project that can basically be built in a single weekend with mostly hand tools, I think I've accomplished what I set out to accomplish: it's sturdy, cheap, comfortable, and will easily last years. I also think that this is a good intro project for woodworking. I know I certainly learned a lot.
I'd like to thank the following people/websites/places:
- PBS, Norm Abrams, and the New Yankee Workshop for helping me kill countless hours during my childhood learning about biscuit joints.
- http://www.futonlife.com/buying-guide/The-Futon-Plan.aspx for being one of the few futon plans readily available on the internet.
- http://ask.metafilter.com/69067/How-can-I-make-a-futon-mattress-for-100-or-less for getting me started down the right path in regards to the cushion.
- IKEA for letting me hang around futons all day.
Comments are welcome, but do keep in mind I am not a carpenter, nor do I claim expertise in anything I have done in this project. This is: the single largest project I have ever done; the first real woodworking project I've ever done; and the first Instructable I've ever done. Please go easy. I've proof-read this I'ble over at least 5 times, but if you find any mistakes, please let me know ASAP so I can correct it.
I hope you enjoyed the project.
Regards,
- Disco Stu
In case you didn't notice, this Instructable is a little longer than average. Obviously, this can be attributed to the highly customizable nature of a project such as a futon. I encourage you, if you are comfortable, to make this project your own by customizing in ways both big and small.
I don't have the necessary software to do this myself, but if anyone who decides to build this wants to draw up plans and cutouts and post them up, I'm sure the community would be very grateful.
Although the design I presented here is certainly college dorm-worthy, I'll be the first to say that there are plenty of improvements that could probably be made. The folding mechanism could use a little work to remove sag, and the joints could be strengthened. I highly encourage anyone with the know-how (or the power tools) to improve on this design to give it a shot and post up your results in the comments.
However, for a beginner project that can basically be built in a single weekend with mostly hand tools, I think I've accomplished what I set out to accomplish: it's sturdy, cheap, comfortable, and will easily last years. I also think that this is a good intro project for woodworking. I know I certainly learned a lot.
I'd like to thank the following people/websites/places:
- PBS, Norm Abrams, and the New Yankee Workshop for helping me kill countless hours during my childhood learning about biscuit joints.
- http://www.futonlife.com/buying-guide/The-Futon-Plan.aspx for being one of the few futon plans readily available on the internet.
- http://ask.metafilter.com/69067/How-can-I-make-a-futon-mattress-for-100-or-less for getting me started down the right path in regards to the cushion.
- IKEA for letting me hang around futons all day.
Comments are welcome, but do keep in mind I am not a carpenter, nor do I claim expertise in anything I have done in this project. This is: the single largest project I have ever done; the first real woodworking project I've ever done; and the first Instructable I've ever done. Please go easy. I've proof-read this I'ble over at least 5 times, but if you find any mistakes, please let me know ASAP so I can correct it.
I hope you enjoyed the project.
Regards,
- Disco Stu
Remove these ads by
Signing UpFlag this comment as:
Not NiceInappropriateSpam
fantine
says:
Nov 21, 2011. 6:43 PMReplyBRAVO! You need never be unemployed if you can both work with your hands and communicate as well as you do. In your chosen field, you may well rack up a few patents. But this instructable is master work that reaches far more people, I'll bet. You have style to boot. Keep busy with your tools and your pen and best of luck to you.
1
DiscountCollegeStudent (author)
in reply to Nov 22, 2011. 5:11 PMReply
Thank you, Fantine (Les Mis?). I appreciate the kind words. It's encouragement like this that drives me to do these projects and try to help others in matters big and small. Thank you!
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
