WALKING THE WILLOW

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Repeat the building process for the footboard. Note these measurements are different. Refer to figure 2 for correct measurements.

Stand the headboard and footboard frames upright to check their alignment. If adjustments are needed, first loosen lag screws, reposition, then snug lags again.

WAGON WHEEL DESIGN

Upon completion of the frames, you are ready to create the wagon wheel designs. Begin working with the headboard. "Walk the willow" whip (10'-10'6") to desired flexibility, so it easily forms a curve. Attach each end of whip to headboard frame as shown (figure 5); note the overall height given. Drill pilot (1/8" bit) and use the 1 5/8" screws. This first willow whip will establish the pattern for the others to follow, so make it as well rounded and uniform as possible.

Now add the second whip on the inside of the first one. "Walk the willow," then screw the larger diameter end to the frame, leaving the smaller end free at this time. Working your way around, compress willows together with furniture clamp where needed, drill pilots(1/16 " bit), and hammer in 1 5/8" panel nails every place you need to along the curve, usually 2-3" apart. When you've reached the small end, secure it to bedposts or braces with screws.

Repeat the process above to add one or two more willows to your wagon wheel (dotted line, figure 5). Whip ends may be cut to exact lengths if necessary after attachment.

Follow the same procedure to construct the wagon wheel design on the footboard. Note: Overall height is 42" for footboard.

WHEEL SPOKES

It's time to add the spokes to your newly created wheels. The spokes radiate from the center of the bottom brace of the frame, so determine the center first. Now, evenly space these 42" willows. The measurements will vary, but spokes should be about 6" apart at their widest points (in order to avoid any choking danger, make the space between spokes narrower still if there are young children in the house). Using this spacing, both the headboard and footboard will have 15-16 spokes. The spokes attach to the two horizontal braces on the front side and to the back side of the wagon wheel design top (figure 6). Drill pilots and insert appropriate-length nails and screws. The willow ends that extend may be cut at any time. Some spokes that are quite long may need to be shortened before attaching them. Repeat above building procedure for the footboard.

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