Man Cradle

The "Man Cradle" comprises the latest installment of the "Hensel Home Collection". The introductory model for 2008 features a unique rocking sleep system. Achieve balanced sleep with this masterpiece crafted using the newest technologies. Uniquely designed to give you the kind of undisturbed sleep nature intended. This comfort experience will gently rock you on a cozy voyage to Slumberland.

1. Made in the United States from real wood
2. Earth-quake Resistant
3. Anti-Flood Construction
4. Unsurpassed luxury Alluring style

$1,199 The Man Cradle is the ultimate combination of comfort and value.


The Man Cradle will be on view at Clara Street Projects from August 28 - September 12, 2008. Opening Thursday, August 28th from 6 - 8pm.

Clara Street Projects is located at 170 Clara Street in San Francisco, one-half block north of Harrison Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Limited street parking is available. Garage parking is available nearby at San Francisco Center (5th Street) and at the Moscone Center (4th Street). Gallery hours are Tuesdays- Saturdays 12-6pm and by appointment.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.clarastreetprojects.org or e-mail project organizers at clarastreetprojects@gmail.com.

Using the program SolidWorks I constructed the basic form. For optimal rocking I utilized a series of ellipses. After considering the dimensions of a standard twin bed I created this design. I wanted to build a bed that would rock side to side or front to back but not randomly, ideally creating a comfortable sleep experience.

I imported the design to a Water-Jet and fabricated the pieces. It would be possible to cut the forms with a skill saw, but I wanted the precision afforded by the machine. After the pieces were cut: I fitted, screwed and glued them together.

I built a skin for the cradle out of recycled lattice. I cleaned each piece of wood and attached it with glue and a nail gun to the previous piece. I cut the ends of each piece to a compound angle so that they would fit together in the corners. At first I used a chop saw, band saw, and a belt sander. However, later I was forced to switch to a Japanese pull saw. I think that the pull saw was faster, but the machines were more precise.

Once I finished the lattice work, I placed the bed and bedding in the finished cradle. The work was included in an exhibition at the Diego Rivera Gallery in San Francisco.