Decorative Woodwork
Mantel Clock
-
The decorative woodwork clock shown in the illustration was designed especially
for rooms furnished in mission style. The clock, however, may be made of mahogany
or other wood to match the furniture in any room where it is to be placed. If
the mission effect is desired, an oxidized or copper sash should be used.
Movements can be bought at the salesroom of a clock company. A movement should
be selected that is wide enough from the front to the back to allow the clock
case to be made sufficiently deep for standing without being easily upset.

Quarter-sawed white oak is the best material for this clock, but any other
wood which works easily and takes a stain well may be used. Two pieces, 3/8
in. thick, 6-1/2 in. wide, and 8-1/2 in. long, will be needed for the front
and back. One piece, 5 in. wide, 6 in. long, and with a thickness sufficient
for the clock movement, is needed for the middle part. The thickness of this
piece depends on the movement secured.
After the front and back pieces are finished, of this decorative
woodwork and a piece of hammered copper screwed on the front as shown
in the drawing, the middle piece must be made just thick enough to make
the whole distance from the front of the copper to the back of the clock
equal to the depth of the movement.
Plane one edge on both front and back pieces. Lay out the design and
the centers for the circular holes from this planed edge.
Use a plane and chisel to cut the outside design of this decorative woodwork
project. The hole can be bored out with an expansive bit, or sawed out with
a scroll saw, and filed perfectly round with a half-round wood file. The bit
will give the best results. If the bit is used, bore holes in a piece of scrap
wood until the exact size is found.

The outside design of this decorative woodwork piece of copper is made to correspond
to the design of the clock. The circular hole in the copper can be cut with
the expansive bit by first punching a hole in the center to receive the spur
of the bit, placing on a block of wood and boring through a little way. The
spur on the cutter will cut out the copper. Fasten the copper to the front with
copper nails or round-headed screws.
If good glue can be had, for this decorative woodwork the three pieces of wood
may be glued together. If the glue cannot be relied upon, put in two flat-headed
screws from the back.
The clock of the decorative woodwork project can be finished with a dark stain
and waxed, or, as it is small, it can be easily fumed. If stain is used, stain
and wax the pieces before putting them together. The fuming process is more
easily done after the clock is assembled. Secure a bucket, a peck measure, or
any receptacle large enough, when inverted, to put over the clock. Pour about
2 oz. of strong ammonia into a saucer or small pan.
Support the clock above the saucer and cover both with the inverted bucket.
Allow it to stand for three or four days—the longer it stands the darker
the fumed finish will be. Finish with two coats of bleached wax. Do not use
ordinary uncolored wax, as it will show in the unfilled pores of the wood. The
works of the clock should not be in the frame while fuming.
More Free Woodworking Projects
|