I made this swinging cradle in my garage workshop - my first project with my new PT 260 planer thicknesser, BS350S bandsaw and BM16 morticer. I got the lot along with a CX2600 dust and chip extractor and some replacement blades and accessories for less than 2.5K - I feel that I have had great value.

The cradle is made primarily from four boards of figured English elm. I have tried to create a bookmatched effect by using adjacent faces of the elm boards on either side of the midline. I have also used sapele for stripes on the panels and to make the frame from which the cradle rocks. I couldn't find a British seller of cradle pendulums, but this Canadian company sent a decorative brass set (shipment took about 3-4 weeks) http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/store/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=19_4135

As with all of my projects, my first layer of finish was a protective coat of Monocoat oil (natural colour). I learnt this technique from a cabinetmaker in Cumbria http://www.woodworkshop.co.uk/wood_work_finishes.htm. I have then applied three coats of Teak oil, because it was to hand. I have recently bought some Tung oil which will provide a better finish once the cot is not in active use.

My baby girl was born last week and the cradle, as you can see, is very much in use. I no longer have any spare time for woodworking and my next uploaded project will probably be in the year 2033!