Replies

1. 
   CajunDan | Jul 21, 2005 08:17pm | #1

   Clock plans are a pretty common item on the internet. Sometimes, though, its tough to see what you're getting or how easy it is to make.

   A good beginner clock that I like can be found in Norm Abram's 1st book Mostly Shaker.  The book does not cost more than what a single plan would cost.  Norn spells out all his techniques very clearly. I have built about 10 of these for gifts over the years and they are always well appreciated.

   The only tricky parts are that the lumber is mostly 9/16", so you have to adapt if you don't have a planer. On the other hand, very few other clock plans you find call for 3/4" stock.

   If you don't like Shaker clocks, let me know what styles you favor and I can help point you in the right direction.

   Dan

1. 
   TomHanninen | Jul 21, 2005 10:24pm | #2

   Thanks Dan,

   There's a Shaker clock on his website and I'm going to check out his book and see if it's the same one. Thanks.

1. 
   BG | Sep 19, 2005 06:46pm | #9

   Tom,
   One word of caution...perhaps caution it too strong a word. Check out the availabilty of clock parts and dimensions first...and see if they fit the plans your interested in following. I built Cris's clock(shaker) featured in FWW but I had to modify all the measurments because my clock face was larger than his design. It was a fun build but I was unsure how to adjust length with the face being wider...or if I should? Anyhow, it was fun and came out nice.

1. 
   ohiobob | Sep 27, 2005 02:56am | #10

   I too have been wanting to try a clock. I came across some blueprints of an eli terry clock by carlyle lynch. unfortunately they do not have step by step instructions which help me greatly. it also does not tell me what size clock face to buy.  i saw the lonnie bird clock too which i loved but it may be too advanced for this average builder. anyone have advice?    Bob      

   p.s. i enclosed a pic of my last piece to give you an idea of my skill level.   this piece is from david smith's book.

   
2. 
   stancalow | Jul 22, 2005 01:18am | #3

   Tom

   try Klockit.com and you'll see a lot of ideas in their catalog, as well as all the parts & hardware you need. 

3. 
   Gnome | Jul 26, 2005 04:02pm | #4

   Shopsmith archives has a free mantle clock plan. Run a web search on free plans then search the individual sites for clock plans. It's amazing how many free ones are out there.

4. 
   stevo1952 | Sep 13, 2005 06:11am | #5

   Hi Tom,
   25 years ago I took my first woodworking class at a high school. I really wanted a grandfather clock, and talked to the instructor about building me one. He told me, "You can do it. Its only 3 boxes with some molding". Anyway, it was great advice and I built 5.
   While not as ornate as some, they turned out very well.
   So my advice, would be go for it. There are very simple kits and plans, and many more that are as complex as you'd like. If I could make 5 clocks, anyone can.

   Good luck,
   Stevo

   
5. 
   MBerger | Sep 13, 2005 07:56pm | #6

   Hi Tom,

   We have several clock plans in our Online Archive. They range from the difficult (Lonnie Bird's impressive Tall Clock featured in Issue #171 and #172) to smaller mantle clocks. Search for "Clock" at the link below and you will get a few results.

   http://www.taunton.com/store/fwarchive/index.asp

   Matt Berger

   Taunton New Media

1. 
   Gene | Sep 13, 2005 08:54pm | #7

   Here's a recent on-line version from FW.http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00125.asp

6. 
   Gene | Sep 19, 2005 04:58pm | #8

   I knew I had seen another design for a Shaker wall clock on-line. Stumbled on it again this morning.....

   http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/AUG04PW%20SHAKER%20CLOCK.pdf