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“I wanted the Base to reflect the same kind of caring craftsmanship. So, I took my time, revising my original plans for this last portion, making small adjustments, planning how I’d let this Base Assembly balance out the tall case.”
In July of 1981, Jim McCann was the “HANDS-ON!” craftsman at Shopsmith. His job was to build all of the spectacular projects that appeared in our original, printed “HANDS-ON !” issues . . . and boy, did he do an incredible job of it! Today, Jim’s our Quality and Facilities Manager . . . overseeing the quality of every Shopsmith product…and keeping our plant and offices in tip-top shape. After all these years of having Jim around, we’d be lost without him.
Here are some of Jim’s notes on crafting the final portion of this ambitious project. The finished clock is an example of heirloom furniture, demonstrating his diligence and craftsmanship, as well as the accuracy and versatility of the Shopsmith Woodworking System.
The clock in all its finished glory might be enough to scare many woodworkers off and keep them from trying their own hands at such a project. But, as Jim’s been quick to point out, he built it piece-by-piece, sort of like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Then, all that was left to do was put the pieces together. Pretty simple, really.
And even though you may not be interested in building a clock just like this one, through this article, we’re hoping you soon discover that the methods Jim used to design, join and assemble the clock will help you out in other projects, as well.
Just remember that most large, complicated-looking projects are built of many smaller, simpler projects. When these are all added together, they look very impressive. The secret is to concentrate on building them according to a carefully considered plan — one piece at a time.
Here’s the continuation of Jim’s weekly record: |
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