lesroom 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.
[Illustration: Mantel Clock with Wood and Copper Front]
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, 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. 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.
[Illustration: Details of Mantel Clock]
The outside design of the 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, 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 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
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