Weekend
Project
Article
NOV/DEC
2003
Volume 46/Issue 6
IN
THIS ISSUE
Project
Articles
•
California Dream Toys
• The Mantel Clock
• Christmas Tree Ornaments
DEPARTMENTS
•
Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
Academy Notes
Clean
Cuts - Pt. 3 - All About Router Bits
Service Pointers
MARK
V Saw Guards
Safety Tips
Proper Workshop Lighting
What's
New
When
accuracy counts Incra Rules
EDUCATION
• Find
A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National
Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH
ONLINE
CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request
Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online
Replacement Parts Catalog
MARK
V INFORMATION
• Find
A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request
MARK V Information Package
LINKS
•
Links Worth Visiting
•
Free Woodworking
Tips
FEEDBACK
Contacting
Shopsmith
Copyright
2003.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
The Classic Mantel Clock
Here's an easy-to-build, “bracket-style” mantel clock that's sure to fit in with virtually any room decor!
Mantel clocks are fairly simple to make and are universally well received as “heirloom gifts”...which makes them a great choice for Holiday gift-giving. Here's how we made ours:
1: Use your table saw, jointer and belt sander to cut, joint and sand all pieces to their final dimensions, as shown in the List of Materials.
2: Since all of the pieces of molding used in this project are relatively small in size, we believe the Router Table provides the safest way to handle cutting the required molding profiles. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when using Router Tables:
- If you're working with hardwoods, an electronic router motor speed control will help you slow down the bit sufficiently to avoid burning the workpiece. If you don't have such a control, cutting your profiles in multiple passes will also help.
- Make your end grain cuts first. This way, the subsequent long grain passes will clear up any splintering or tear-outs made by the end grain cuts.
- Good dust collection is especially important when using Router Tables, as any routing operation will throw dust and debris far and wide if you fail to take measures to collect it at its source.
- Always feed your workpiece against the rotation of the router bit...not with it, as making “climb cuts” with a router can result in dangerous kick-backs.
- Whenever possible, use safety devices such as featherboards and push blocks or push sticks to keep your hands out of harm's way. Don't forget eye protection, as well.
3: Start by routing a 5/32" Roman Ogee on all four edges of part (C). Next, move to part (B) and make the indicated cuts with a 1/2" Cove Bit...followed by a 1/4" Straight Bit to make the small step at the top. Finally, use a 1/2" Round-Over bit and a 1/2" Cove Bit to cut the profiles in the top of part (A).
REMINDER: For the smoothest results, it's usually best to complete routed profiles in multiple passes instead of trying to make your cuts in a single pass.
4: The Clock Feet are made using the same basic techniques as the Upper Case Moldings. Use the following Router Bits: 1/2" Round-Over bit, 1/2" Cove Bit and 1/4" Round-Over Bit . This completes the molding operations.
5: Cut two oversize pieces of 1/4" plywood or masonite for the front (E) and back (G). Use contact cement to attach walnut veneer (H) to the plywood.
