13) We are now going to make the front face of the
clock. The face on our clock is made from four pieces glued into a square at 45 degree
angles. As an alternative design you could make your clock's face from one piece of
plywood or solid stock. If you use solid stock take into consideration seasonal wood
movement and leave enough room for expansion and contraction. To make the face the way we
did:
A) Cut four pieces of stock approximately 3/4"x53/4"x12"
B) Cut a 45 degree miter on each end of the four pieces
C) Using a biscuit joiner, glue the four pieces together
D) The face should be slightly larger than the opening in the clock
frame.
E) Use a table saw, jointer, or plane to trim the face down to size.
F) There should be a gap of about 1/16" between the face and the
frame on all sides to allow for movement.
G) IMPORTANT: When you are trimming the face to fit, remove the same
amount of stock from all sides. Otherwise the diagonal lines across the face will not be
centered.
14) Drill a hole in the center of the face for your movement. See the
directions provided with your movement for the exact size.
15) It's now time to make the stop blocks to glue the front and
molding pieces in place. Rip and cut some scrap hardwood so that you have five pieces
approximately 3/4"x3/4"x6".
16) You will want to glue one piece at the very top of the clock flush
with the front. This gives the molding something to glue to. The other four pieces should
be glued inside of the top opening. They are used to glue the face to. They should be
positioned so that the face will sit approximately 1/4" below the front of the frame
of the clock. So, for example, if your face is 3/4" thick you would want the top of
the stop block to sit 1" from the top of the frame. When you are confident you have
them positioned correctly glue them in place. NOTE: This should be the first piece you
actually glue to the frame. We will glue the frame at the end of the plan when we are sure
everything fits.
17) After the stop block's glue has dried, test fit the face in the
frame. Now test fit your movement in the face. (According to the manufacturer's
directions.)
18) Look to see where the pendulum will fall on the middle board. You
will need to cut a path in the center of this point so the pendulum will swing freely.
After you have determined this position, double check!
19) The size and width of the slot for the pendulum will depend on the
movement you purchased. Our slot is 3/4" wide and about 6" long. To make the
slot, drill a series of holes next to each other and then use a file, scroll saw, or
handsaw to cut it out. |
