Murphy, wall, hideaway bed plans

[Pat Jr]

Hello Woodworkers, I am considering making a Murphy bed.

I have tried to find some free plans and got a copy of the Workbench plans that are around. They are kind of vague and don;t show the hinge points or the counter weighting. I have a link to the Create-A-Bed kit that looks very promising and it is supposed to be easy to make. It looks like the same kit that Rockler sells. I also found some plans from U-bild.com The description says it's spring assisted but it looks like it is just a variation of the plan for the Create-A-Bed kit, so I'm thinking I would buy the plans and the first instruction would be to order a kit from Rockler or Create-A-Bed?

here are the links to the sites

Create-A-Bed

(yiks! watch that line wrap) make a Murphy or wall bed? Got any tips? I was kinda think'n (that's usually my first sign of trouble ahead) I could use some steel plates with 1/2? bolts mounted through them for the hinge but the counter weighting not so easy to figure out.

I want to make a horizontal queen size. The room I want to put it in has a fan and I already have the mattress.

Thank You, Pat Jr.

[Tvfarmer]

Hello Pat, I actuall bought the "Create-a BED" but haven't had time to make it yet - it is sitting in my basement right now. I liked the piston type mech vers the springs. Thought it would be more quiet. Jeff

Pat Jr wrote:

[Lu Powell]

I built one for my daughter using the Create-A-Bed kit and plans. The instruction manual and cutting scheme were first-rate. Even included a detailed DVD video.

Works like a charm.

[Wes Stewart]

In the past, I've talked with a guy at our local Off the Wall Beds, and learned that they will sell the guts of their systems to DIYers.

[Pat Jr]

Hello Tvfarmer, Thank You for your reply. Looks like a nice kit and get good reviews. Pat Jr.

[Pat Jr]

Hello Lu Powell, Thank You for your reply. Ah! Real world experiance. Seems to support what they say on the web site. Might even be kind of fun?

Pat Jr.

[Pat Jr]

Hello Wes Stewart, Thank You for your reply. I'll see if I can find store out this way and what they say.

Pat Jr.

[Malkeh]

Hi Pat,

I actually know a fellow with an MFA who specializes in a custom-designed Murphy Bed. He has built and installed several artful pieces. They are quite phenomenal.

To contact him his name is:

Tony Mann

912-764-2462

Tell hm Parris sent you via internet. Tell him about your interest. I'm sure he will give you some guidance. Good luck.

Pat Jr wrote:

[CW]

I bought the create-a-bed kit. I haven't gotten around to building it yet though. It comes with very complete plans and a step by step DVD. The hardware appears to be very good quality. Very compact system. Unless you have a lot of time and a machine shop (got the shop, no time), I think you would have a hard time beating this one. Looks like I'm going to fallow the plans on this one. That will be a first.

[Pat Jr]

Hello CW, Thank You for your reply. That's great to hear. I think I am going to order the kit from Create-A-Bed the only complaint I have seen about them is folks have a hard time getting around to making the bed up, but after that it's all good.

Pat Jr.

[Pat Jr]

Hello Malkeh, Thank You for the reply and the offer of the referal.

Pat Jr.