Progress on the clock restoration has slowed a bit as the machinist recreates the missing parts. I took the opportunity to build the stand. When I finished the carpentry, about the only thing I could thing of is “this clock has never had such a nice perch !”

There were a few goals for the clock stand. First, it had to support the nearly 500 lbs of the finished clock, pendulum, and drive weight. Second, it needed to convey the original role of a strong simple time piece that likely stood in isolation high in a tower. Third, it needed to be an attractive addition to my house.

A simple rectangular frame would have done the second goal well but might be a bit weak under the repetitive swing of the 100 lb pendulum. As for being attractive, it would have missed the mark completely.

So, I thought a little spread of the legs from top to bottom - perhaps 5-10 degrees - would make a more interesting stand and would convey the notion of a “tower”. What I neglected to consider is that building a tower with 10 degree slops on the sides and front/back resulted in every single cut being a compound angle <argh>. Not only are the end cuts all slanted, but the killer mortises had to be pitched as well <gnarly argh>. A one day project took the better part of three days.

Still, I like the simple lines and the simple beauty of the new stand. (the picture show the close base temporarily place on top of the stand.) I used left over stock of maple in my shop from a long forgotten project. So beyond the $6 of moisture curing epoxy glue (for strength), the stand cost me electricity, 8 sanding pads, 1 sanding belt, and person time - a relative bargain <grin>

ttd = 18 (frame only)

Related tangests ...   Chair, glorious chair

Posted in Furniture, Restoration, Tower Clocks |

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