How to Cut Slot for Bedrail hooks

**rhull** · 07-06-2005, 06:12 PM

Bob,
Welcome to the forum!

That's a good question. I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you just questions...

What is the thickness of the piece with the hooks? Where did you get them from? Any chance you can post pictures of the parts of the bed where you intend to install this hardware? It might help to see what you're working with.

**Danford C Jennings** · 07-06-2005, 07:11 PM

Welcome to the forum, Bob!

Easiest way would be to use a slot cutting bit, slightly oversize of the hook plate thickness. Bore the holes for the pins from the backside, then plug. Measure twice, cut once.

Dano

**rrich** · 07-07-2005, 12:11 AM

Without a biscuit cutter or a slot cutting router bit (Neither will probably not cut deep enough.) I would try a 1/8" chisel. Just be sure that the supporting pins are the same distance from the mattress rail so that the bed will be level.

**bpatterson** · 07-07-2005, 08:19 AM

Thanks for the suggestions... You are right the "hook" plates need to go back into the rails about an inch and a half. The "hook" plates are about 1/8" thick steel -- so I'm not sure the chisel will work but it is a very good thought! The slot cutter is also a good suggestion --- I suspect the furniture companies have something very similar that runs into the end of each rail...maybe I should go with Bed-botls and dowel pins and forget the original set-up!

**bpatterson** · 07-07-2005, 08:42 AM

I just had a new thought about a potential solution to my own problem!

See what you think...

I could probably Use a "Roto-Zip" (hand-held a rotary drill with a adjustable base for controlling depth of cut - its used in construction for small cut-outs of wood, ceramics, drywall, etc). With a 1/8" bit I could make several passes - each time increasing the depth -- I can easily get a slot 1" deep and 1/8" wide --- which is a good start...And then maybe follow-up with a drill --[that's more of a challenge to keep the slot going straight on a 6' long bedrail..]

Other thoughts and suggestions are MOST welcome..

**FrankC** · 07-07-2005, 08:55 AM

I would make an L bracket from two pieces of 3/4" plywood about 6" wider than the rails, clamp this to bottom the rail when it is laying on its side, so the end of the rail is lined up with the perpendicular arm that is hanging below the rail. Clamp a strip to the arm for a guide to run your skill saw along and make the cut.

You might want to stop the cut before it comes through the top edge of the rail, you will have to set your blade as deep as it will go to get enough depth in the arc at the top of the cut.

Sawdust Making 101
http://sawdustmaking.com

**hcbph** · 07-07-2005, 06:59 PM

I've been doing something similar to what FrankC suggested for a few years. In fact, doing the work I do, I've made about 2 dozen+ sets of replacement rails. I designed mine to work with a panel saw (small blade), and it works great. I do have to adjust the stops depending on the width of the rail, but that's it.

Email me if you're interested in the design.

Paul

**bpatterson** · 06-02-2010, 09:11 AM

I have an 80 year old maple bed and need to replace the rails. I would like to use the bed rail hooks originally used with the bed. I plan to use 5/4 x 6 maple and have found replacement rail hooks at Van Dykes but would like to know if anyone has an idea of how to cut the slot in the ends of the rails to install the hooks and metal pins.
Please see attachment picture of hooks..

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and help
Bob

**billt** · 12-04-2011, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by hcbph

I've been doing something similar to what FrankC suggested for a few years. In fact, doing the work I do, I've made about 2 dozen+ sets of replacement rails. I designed mine to work with a panel saw (small blade), and it works great. I do have to adjust the stops depending on the width of the rail, but that's it.

Email me if you're interested in the design.

Paul

Paul I would like to see your design can you post here?

**bsnyder** · 07-20-2012, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by hcbph

I've been doing something similar to what FrankC suggested for a few years. In fact, doing the work I do, I've made about 2 dozen+ sets of replacement rails. I designed mine to work with a panel saw (small blade), and it works great. I do have to adjust the stops depending on the width of the rail, but that's it.

Email me if you're interested in the design.

Paul

Hey, that sounds like a great way to get the slots cut. I'd like to see the jig design that you have for the skil saw to make the cuts. I'm kind of forced into using the hook design on this queen size bed that I am refurbishing.