Measure your three inch post beside your gate section so that there is a 3/4 inch gap between the bottom of the gate section and the base of the post. Mark on the post where the base of the fence falls. You will make your mortise (hole) for the joint for your bed rails so that it matches the bottom of the gate section.
Remember to mark the headboard posts on the front of the headboard (the cross member design facin up). The footboard posts will be marked on the plain side of the gate section as the bed rail will run from the back of this gate section to the headboard.
File the Tenons On the Bed Rails Use your file to create tenons or narrow square pegs that come out from the end of the bed rail. Cut two pieces of 1/4 inch square basswood stock to lengths of 5 1/4 inches. File away a quarter inch from the end of the bed rail on all four sides to make your tenon. Try to make it as square as possible. (see photo) File tenons on all four ends of the bed rails, keeping them as square and centered on the rail as possible.
Use the Drill to Make a Mortise in the Bed Posts Use the drill to drill five 1/8 inch deep holes in each bed post, in a square section in the center of the post where you marked it.(see photo) Drill the holes close together in a number five pattern as seen on dice, but very close together. Use your file or a craft knife to square up the sides of the hole and test fit your bed rail tenon.
