Tower Clock

Hi guys and gals,this is my tower clock that took me over the winter of 2013-14 to cut out,assemble, and to put the finish on it. The only mistake I made was to take pick of it through all the steps. I will be making others so when I start to make them I will be sure to photograph all steps, and then i will re-post a revised addition of it for you and anybody else that cares to see it.

The things needed to make this clock are;

1. purchase the plans
2. laser printer
3. nail polish remover
4. masking tape
5. drill bits
6. scroll saw blades
7. planer (if not using plywood)
8. sandpaper (80 grit to 220 at least)
9. wood glue
10. nails (if needed or want to use)
11. wood filler
12. stain
13. urethane
14. clock motor and hands
15. 2 bells
16. and most of all patience
17. Baltic plywood in various widths called for in the plan
18. small bar clamps (under 30")
19. small hand clamps

First thing to do, print off a copy of your plans to the size you want it, through your laser printer. Cut all the pattern piece`s out, match to plywood piece of proper size and thickness. Take each pattern piece and place face down on plywood piece, tape in place, and with a nail polisher remover soaked rag rub the back of the pattern until pattern black lines transfer onto piece of Baltic birch plywood. But if you do not have a laser printer you can use contact cement to attach the pattern to the plywood. Or you can use carbon paper between the pattern and plywood, and pressing firmly down trace over the pattern to transfer the pattern image to the plywood.

To start to cut out pattern, you need to drill holes in the plywood wherever a piece needs to be removed. To help stop or reduce tear-out cover the plywood piece with masking tape on opposite side that the pattern is on. This step is the most time consuming step of all.

Once all pieces are cut out it is time to dry fit pieces, to make sure everything fits correctly together. If all the pieces are correct it is time to sand and fill any imperfections in the wood with wood filler (when dry sand smooth)

It is time to stain, I stain pieces before assembly because it is easier to evenly stain all pieces when they are laying flat. (If not stain you can go straight to assembly.)

Time is here to start assembly. Check all pieces for any errors, such as puddles of stain, if there are no imperfections it is time to start assembly. Take time and care to assemble the clock, some pieces are quite delicate.

The last step in making this clock is to put a finish on it. When I made my clock I chose a clear finish to show off the natural color of the wood. You can chose whatever finish you like, also you can chose what type of wood to use, and also how big the clock is. You just have to adjust certain measurements for the clock. I hope you build one and enjoy the process of making the clock. Pat