Replies

1. 
   HoustonHeights | Aug 31, 2007 11:15pm | #1

   I don't have any experience building cuckoo clocks, but found this from a quick google search. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Build-Your-Own-Cuckoo-Clock&id=64888

   Sounds like really fun project.  You could personalize the carving and working for your family.  I may have to try one myself!  Let us know what you find.

2. 
   stantheman | Sep 01, 2007 02:10am | #2

   try   http://www.klockit.com   - may have a kit or plans, or at least the workings.

3. 
   chscholz | Sep 01, 2007 02:36am | #3

   I have one in the living room. It is are really cheap one but if this helps I'll take a few photographs.

4. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Sep 01, 2007 03:27am | #4

   Jasen,

   Your question is quite easily equated to the age old question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"  Also, is it your desire to make just one cuckoo clock or many? 

   I read into your post that your aspirations are to get into woodworking, your first project being a cuckoo clock?  If that is the case then I would suggest following the first response to your question.  A cuckoo clock is a very ambitious undertaking, not for the faint of heart.

   Perhaps starting with some simple projects will tell you much.  How about some birdhouses?  I'm also assuming that you have examined a cuckoo clock.  If not, that would be a most important first step.  The moving parts will tell you a lot about what you need in order to make one.

   You will need, no matter what type/kind of woodworking that you want to do, is a bench.  This can be as simple as a sturdy table.  You need a flat surface to work on.  Something that you can mount a vise to in which to hold things would be even better.

   Back to the chicken and the egg question.  Do you get the tools with which to make the bench or do you get the bench and then buy the tools? 

   What tools do you buy?  What bench do I get/build?  My intent is in no way meant to discourage you; just the opposite! 

   Your wife, and I am sure you too have certainly discovered a fantastic resource to your future endeavors in woodworking.

   Welcome to Knots,

    

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   JMorris | Sep 02, 2007 01:11am | #5

   Bob,

   Thank you for your reply.  Making a 2'X8' bench was the very first place I started, along with a vise and grinder.  I had those for awhile before I really jumped in and got most of the essential tools and saw needed to work efficiently.  It is quite a list, but to be to the point I am pretty sure I have a good working shop now.  I am working on a simple bookcase right now that requires a variety of operations (miter cuts, mortise & Tenon, routering, etc) in order to gain a better handle of my skills and my tools.  Moving on to the main matter, I haven't looked at a cuckoo clock inside and out yet, I wanted to do some research on the internet and get some advice from people who had done a similar project.  One neat bit of advice I got was to purchase a cheap cuckoo clock, remove the face and make my own.  At the same time, take a good look at how everything works inside the purchased clock.  Does that sound like a good route to go?

   Thanks,

   Jasen Morris

5. 
   tinkerer2 | Sep 02, 2007 07:33am | #6

   "works then wood"

   Thanks for the advise.  I built a Mason and Sullivan GF clock about thirty seven years ago and would like to build more.  I like that style.  But I understand Mason and Sullivan is no more.  I think they used a urgos which didn't fit exactly and I don't know if Urgos is in business anymore.  I might have to retrofit something that is available.  Can't wait.