Fretwork Clock-Update- 5/16/21

[ben2008]

I just started this clock. I'm doing mine in walnut. I have gathered the wood. I have most pieces cut to size and have some already laid out with the pattern attached. It will have a Westminstern Chime installed. I should be able to start the fretwork by this weekend. I'm very slow and pretty sure this will take me a month or more to complete. Maybe longer as I only work about 2 to 3 hours a day and about 3 to 4 days a week. I'll post some pics this weekend.

The "Wakefield", from The Art Factory

 

 

 

 

 

 

All clock parts cut to size. 

Some holes drilled. I love my mini Dremel drill press. Once it's set up it's breeze to drill holels accurately.

On the RBI and ready to cut.

I'm going to try and get some parts done this week. Have 2 Dr's appointments to deal with. Very unpleasent

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2021 by ben2008

[Rockytime]

That is a great looking clock. I know you'll do a bang up job. I have a couple of clock patterns but can't get up the gumption to start.

[ben2008]

2 minutes ago, Rockytime said:

That is a great looking clock. I know you'll do a bang up job. I have a couple of clock patterns but can't get up the gumption to start.

Hi Les

I know how you feel. I have had this pattern for about 2 years. There seems to be something else always comes up that has priority. Most of what I make is given away to my family. I just sent a hummingbird Intarsia to my daughter in FL This clock is for us.

I have made 3 fretwork clocks. None in about 6, 7 years. I thought I would give it one more try. This one looked a little easier than the train clock I built about 12 years ago.

Ben

[dgman]

Ahh, a Dirk Boelman pattern! I have done many of Dirks Patterns. Unfortunately, Dirk passed several years ago. 

Are you going to cut the dial or purchase it? I cut Dirks Santa’s Workshop clock and I purchased the Dial. It’s just like the one shown. The clock has a Westminster Chimes movement installed, and we love it. It gets set up during the holidays only. I installed a switch to shut off the chimes in case the chimes became to much, but have never used it because we love the chimes.

[ben2008]

1 hour ago, dgman said:

Ahh, a Dirk Boelman pattern! I have done many of Dirks Patterns. Unfortunately, Dirk passed several years ago. 

Are you going to cut the dial or purchase it? I cut Dirks Santa’s Workshop clock and I purchased the Dial. It’s just like the one shown. The clock has a Westminster Chimes movement installed, and we love it. It gets set up during the holidays only. I installed a switch to shut off the chimes in case the chimes became to much, but have never used it because we love the chimes.

Hi Dan 

Yes, I know Dirk Boelman passed away, but fortunatly, their web site is still up and running.

I have made 2 of his clocks in the last 12 or so years. The Santas Workshop Clock and the Train Depot Clock. I also have the plans for the Guardian Angel clock I hope to make this year.  I am going to purchase a metal 4 1/2" dial with roman numerals from Cherry Tree for the Wakefield Clock.

I kept the Train Depot Clock, but gave away the Santa Workshop Clock. I'm sorry I did. It has been mishandled. I tried to get it back, no luck.

I also have done many Dirk Boelman patterns. Mostly desk clocks for the great grandchildren and also other family members and friends.

Ben

Edited March 24, 2021 by ben2008

[OCtoolguy]

I'm like Les. I have wanted to make a wall clock but unfortunately, we have run out of walls to hang it on so I'm not in any hurry. Your choice looks interesting and I know it will turn out very nice.

 

[malar]

Can't wait to see your clock! I've been wanting to try some fret work like this.

[ben2008]

7 hours ago, malar said:

Can't wait to see your clock! I've been wanting to try some fret work like this.

I have it almost all laid out, patterns attached and ready to drill some holes. Just working on the roof and the crazy angle of that roof and a few other small details. I should be able to start cutting this coming week. Very slow process. I have over a $100.00 invested so far and want to take my time make sure I do it right.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 2021 by ben2008

[Joe W.]

THAT is a whole nuther level of cutting.
Something to be proud of for the rest of your life.

[amazingkevin]

A clockmaker gets on my good side! I'd love to hang work like this in my shop,Great jobb you did!!!

[ben2008]

4/19/21

Another update for my fretwork clock. I'm getting there slowly but surely. Got sidetracked for about a week or 10 days. Hope to stay on track this week. 

Edited April 19, 2021 by ben2008

[TexasDIY]

Looks great! Can you please tell us what kind of wood and the thickness you are using?  Very impressive work you are doing!

[ben2008]

4 hours ago, TexasDIY said:

Looks great! Can you please tell us what kind of wood and the thickness you are using?  Very impressive work you are doing!

The majority will be 1/4" walnut. I also have a piece of 1/4 " oak (dial backer)and a piece of 3/8" Walnut I will be using. I'm cutting it with an Olson 2/0 reverse tooth blade.

[TexasDIY]

10 hours ago, ben2008 said:

The majority will be 1/4" walnut. I also have a piece of 1/4 " oak (dial backer)and a piece of 3/8" Walnut I will be using. I'm cutting it with an Olson 2/0 reverse tooth blade.

Thank you for the information.  I am looking forward to seeing it finished!

[Tomanydogs]

You are doing a beautiful job. 

[Rockytime]

Keep up with the project photos.

[ben2008]

4-22-21

A little more progress. Very little Just not up to it up today. Quit and came upstairs.

When I don't feel good and try and push myself is when I make mistakes. So now, I decide tomorrow is another day and maybe things will be better.

These 2 pics are the front and sides of the housing for the Westminster movement. I just have to make the back and some inside support pieces and I'll be done with the housing. I have the roof done, just need to fit it. Not much scrolling here as you can see. However, I still have a few trim pieces for the front and the sides to make that do have quite a bit of scroll work. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[Scrappile]

Looking very nice.... Slow but sure is good on a project like this.... Will be well worth the time spent.

[scrollerpete]

Excellent project and you are doing a masterful job, you should be proud of your work. I agree to do this slow and sure will get the perfect result.

[ben2008]

 

Acouple of more pieces done. The clock movement is mounted. I will install the hands later.

Most all parts are finished and I am in the process of finishing. That will take a few more days probably longer as i want these coats to dry thourogly. I said it would take me a while. It's turning out just fine so far.

I'm finishing it with at least 3 coats of Deft satin spray lacquer. A couple of pieces of wood needed 4 coats. 

 

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by ben2008

[ben2008]

A little more done today A little paste wax on that roof will finish it off nicely.

 

 

Edited May 9, 2021 by ben2008

[ben2008]

Update 5/16/21

Just about done...finally

A few fingerprints to clean up and a bit of Johnson wax should do it.

Install battery and sync the Westminster chime movement to the correct time.

Edited May 17, 2021 by ben2008

[preprius]

That is really nice.  Black walnut was a really good choice. 

The side rails are pretty long.  You mentioned an Olson 2/0 blade you must have a pretty big machine.  

And obviously very good patience with good knowledge of your attitude and quality of work.  

Thank you for adding that tip in, that if you dont feel good your quality goes down.  Dont push yourself with schedule.  

I hope the battery is easy access. Like in the pendulum. 

 

 

[ben2008]

5 hours ago, preprius said:

That is really nice.  Black walnut was a really good choice. 

The side rails are pretty long.  You mentioned an Olson 2/0 blade you must have a pretty big machine.  

And obviously very good patience with good knowledge of your attitude and quality of work.  

Thank you for adding that tip in, that if you dont feel good your quality goes down.  Dont push yourself with schedule.  

I hope the battery is easy access. Like in the pendulum. 

 

 

Thank you

I have a 28 year old 220VS RBI scroll saw that I used for this project. I used  2/0 Olson blades (a lot of them) haha for this clock. I guess after all these years I'm just used to using Olson blades. It seems to me that I can control them a little better than others. I have tried many different companies and I seem to come back to the Olson blades. That's just me.  I just slow everything down and it works for me. Besides, I'm 81 and in no hurry.

Just a note about this Art Factory pattern. It is not very good. Missing dimensions. instructions are lacking or non existent. You really need to be somewhat experienced to do one of these clocks. For instance. I had to set my miter saw to a little over 37 degrees to get the proper angle of the 2 roof pieces to fit properly. I mean com'on. Where do you come up with that? Anyway, it was fun, challenging, and frustrating at the same time.

There is a large cutout in the rear of the case for easy battery access. This Westminster movement takes a c cell.

Just a little clean up of fingerprints, smudges. Then install the pendulum and sync the hands to the Westminster chimes. That's it, and I'm done.

Edited May 17, 2021 by ben2008