How to Build a Mantel Clock

Mantel clocks are designed to be impressive and substantial. Most are quite expensive. Even making a mantel clock can require a great deal of time and the use of many high-end tools. However, by using a few simple, inexpensive materials and a bit of imagination, you can build an attractive mantel clock even if you're not a skilled woodworker.

Things You'll Need

• Clock movement 2-inch rigid foam insulation Gallon can Coping saw or electric bread knife Plywood veneer Scissors or a craft knife Masking tape Construction adhesive Scrap of 1/2-inch medium density fiberboard (MDF), at least 10 x 4 in. Circular, jig or scroll saw Router and ogee bit Fine-grit sandpaper Wood putty Primer Paint Glaze or antiquing medium

Instructions

Make the Body

1. Cut a block of rigid foam, about 7 by 3 1/2 inches. Center the gallon can on the block and trace its shape onto the foam. Use a coping saw or electric bread knife to cut out the shape.

2. Center the clock movement on the foam shape and trace its shape. To cut out this circle, release the top of the blade from the frame of the coping saw, insert the blade through the foam, then reattach the blade to the frame. Cut along the marked line to create an opening for the clock movement. If you're using a knife rather than a coping saw, slide it through the foam at the center of the marked circle and carefully maneuver it around the circle.

3. Trace the front and back of the foam block onto a piece of plywood veneer. Mark the center opening on these pieces as well. Also measure and mark a 2 1/16 by 10 1/4-inch strip of veneer. Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the veneer pieces and the center openings.

4. Spread construction adhesive on the top edge of the foam piece and press the veneer strip in place. Use masking tape to hold the veneer in place. Let the adhesive dry.

5. Spread construction adhesive on the front face of the foam piece and apply the veneer. Repeat on the back of the foam piece. If necessary, use masking tape to hold the pieces in place while the adhesive dries.

Make the Base

1. Cut a piece of MDF for the base, 8 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches. You can use a circular saw, a jigsaw or a scroll saw for this. Even a handsaw will work if you're patient.

2. Route the edges of the base, using an ogee bit.

3. Sand the base, particularly the routed edges, using fine-grit sandpaper.

Assemble and Finish the Clock

1. Center the clock body on the base and use a pencil to lightly mark placement lines. Spread construction adhesive on the bottom of the clock piece. Align the clock body with the placement lights and set it in place. You may want to use sturdy rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the adhesive dries.

2. Use wood putty to fill any gaps at the edges and corners of the veneer.

3. Lightly sand the entire clock, then apply a coat of primer. When the primer is completely dry, add two coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry between coats. Add a coat of glaze or antiquing stain and allow to dry. Install the clock movement, which fits into the opening.