Walnut wall clock?

[schloff]

Hi guys and gals.

I have been planning something for the past few hours. Even drawing plans on paper. (former manual draftsman...)

I have had a mechanical clock mechanism key wind 31 day on the shelf for 11 years, and for some reason got a hankerin' to do something with it. it's a pendelum movement, and I thought about building a walnut case with glass front. Maybe 2 compartments, dial and pendelum.

I looked on google images for ideas, but nothing is really hitting my fancy. I like traditional pieces, typically. Clean lines.

Unfortunately, my band saw is in need of major repair, and I'll need to keep this project square (Shaker style, maybe?). Nothing with major curved features. 2 glass doors.

The pend drop from center spindle to bottom of bob is about 8 1/2", which seems very short. I was thinking of a clock around 25" tall, but I don't think I can make it with this pend. Afraid it will be too "stubby".

I'll try to upload some shots of my ideas so far. I have built many quartz clocks, sold a few, gave a few and donated to charity auctions with them. Same basic design, which I think is a very classy and traditional.

Any ideas for this new project that I can incorporate? I am sort of gun shy with the mechanical piece, which requires an altogether new mounting design.

Any pointers?

[pelligrini]

I don't have a lot of design input. Might take a look at some arts and crafts furniture and items for some clues. Green & green had to have done a clock sometime. This blog has some neat Arts & Crafts designs http://www.hardwoodartisans.com/blog/?p=306

What really caught my eye was the letters on your pendulum. They are the same as one I have in my entry hall. My wife got it for me a few years ago. Not sure where she found it, but I put it back together and got it working again. The round face is off as I broke one of the springs last summer.

[LCHIEN]

are you doing your own face or are you doing a prefab face like from www.clockit.com?

Proportion is everything, I think.

And what style do you want - ornate or very modern? I don't see many clock designs for modern contemporary but that's my style. Certainly a challenge especially with a clock with real movements (e.g. pendulum and stuff). Might visit some real live clock store for ideas. or google contemporary wood clock.

Make sure when you do photos you set the clock to the traditional 10 after 10 pose...

[schloff]

Thanks for the replies. I like the look of the ornate one in the post. That actually looks fairly simple, mostly turnings and finials. I might incorporate that into the design. It really makes an elegant and symmetrical look. Plus, I LOVE turning.

As far as the dial, I typically make my own. I thought it might be neat to have a glass dial, with etched roman numerals. Airbrush and media blast compound would do the trick. Maybe even a chemical etch?

The hard part with the glass dial would be the holes. I have a very good glass supplier here in my town. They are top notch, and understand woodworking issues. Lawrenceburg Glass (plug)

[pelligrini]

Thanks for the replies. I like the look of the ornate one in the post. That actually looks fairly simple, mostly turnings and finials. I might incorporate that into the design. It really makes an elegant and symmetrical look. Plus, I LOVE turning.

I don't know if you could tell from the photos, but the two turnings on the sides are flat on the back and also part of the door. Looks like they took one turning and cut it in half. It is a pretty simple construction, basic shapes dressed up with some turnings and mouldings. The arch of the top stretcher on the door matches the shape of the round face.

The glass front sounds like a really cool idea. Being able to see the works moving would be neat. I also like the side windows in that clock and the one to the left.

[schloff]

I like the idea of making one turning and splitting it. makes it perfectly symmetrical. And using it for the rails of the glass door.

Thanks for the pics. I'm going to have to use some of these ideas for mine. Very cool.

One more thing, how does the clock works mount to the case on yours?

[pelligrini]

You're welcome. I love mechanical clocks. Not too fond of batteries or electronic chimes, just doesn't seem right.

The whole works slide in on a pair of rails.

Someday I'll do a nice grandfather for me. I usually stop planning once I check out the prices on the movements.

[schloff]

I've always wanted to build a grandfather, too. I never had the time before, now I don't have the space for one.

I really appreciate your input on my dillema. The turnings are the way to go.