Step 5. Match the jointer
fence with the angle of the bevel and joint the edge just sawn to remove
any saw marks.
Sand both surfaces of the blank before cutting it up into smaller pieces
as it is easier and more efficient to sand one large piece than it is to
chase four smaller pieces around the bench top. Use a random orbit sander
with 120 grit abrasive paper for this. Just remember that this sander is
very aggressive, so be careful— especially on the cedar!
Step
6.Because I produce so many of these clocks, I took the time to
make a template out of Plexiglas. Plastic is a good choice here because
it is durable and rigid. And, because it is transparent, I can see the grain
under the template, permitting me to position the pattern to take advantage
of the beauty of the wood. I even drilled a small 3/32”-Dia. hole
in the template so I wouldn’t have to measure to locate the center
hole in each clock face.
Starting from the left side of the blank, trace the template on the stock
and mark the center hole with an awl. Flip the pattern over to the other
edge and do the same thing, being sure to offset the template enough to
avoid overlapping the previous tracing—you have more than enough wood
for this. |
Step 7. Begin cutting each clock to shape. The first cut
is made at 30 degrees and I have found that a miter box saw works best for
this. Cut the two angles marked, then retrace the template on the remaining
piece and cut it to 30 degrees as well..
Step 8. When I made the
prototype for this clock, I just wasn’t comfortable cutting that
last angle freehand on my saw. There simply wasn’t enough space
between the two fences to support the stock to make the cut safely, so
I made a jig to hold the stock in position.
It’s a simple jig. I made it from a piece of scrap plywood and attached
a cleat cut at an angle to mate with the bevel on the base of the clock.
The jig holds the blank in the proper position, supports the underside
of the stock to help prevent splintering, and best of all, allows me to
make the cut safer than if I attempted it without the jig.
The top angle on the clock is 90 degrees. Readjust the miter saw to 0
degrees, position the jig as shown on the table of the saw, and make the
cut.
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