How to Replace Cuckoo Clock Carvings

Cuckoo clocks are famous for the mechanical cuckoo that calls the hours. The clocks are also known for their rich carvings. Fine examples of traditional German craftsmanship, the carvings most commonly take the forms of plants and animals native to the Black Forest. Stag's heads, birds, maple leaves and hunting rifles top and surround the cuckoo clock. These pieces may break off, or become damaged. Cuckoo clock carvings can be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Cuckoo clock
• Cuckoo clock carvings
• Mounting equipment
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Cuckoo clock epoxy

Instructions

1. Check the existing cuckoo clock carvings for damage. Pieces that have split or broken off can be removed entirely. Many clocks feature a number of completely separate carved pieces. Crests are found on the top of the clock, while other carved pieces either surround the clock like a frame, or fit individually, or in groups, onto the sides and bottom of the clock case.

2. Look for visible screws or brackets that secure a section of carving to the cuckoo clock. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Place the screws and brackets to the side, and remove the section of carving.

3. Gently tug on a section of carving if there are no screws or brackets. Some sections are simply attached by means of pegs that fit into holes on the clock case. Check again to make sure there are no screws or brackets, and pull the piece free. If the piece was glued in place, pull gently to avoid breaking the wood on the case, or use a utility knife to carefully cut it free.

4. Purchase new carvings that match the size and style of the cuckoo clock. If the clock had a hunting theme, keep the hunting theme. If the clock had a German village theme, look for figures that recall scenes of German rural life. A large selection of all kinds of carvings is available from the Frankenmuth Clock Company. Clockworks also sells antlers of various sizes to replace those that have broken off stags' heads. Cuckoo clock carvings may also be available on eBay and other auction and antiques sites.

   Frankenmuth Clock Company
   966 South Main St.
   Frankenmuth, MI 48734
   Tel. [phone] USA
   Fax: [phone]
   [e-mail]

   Cuckoo clock carvings:

   http://www.frankenmuthclock.com/partscuckoocarvings.htm

   Clockworks
   9 Pine - Box 339
   Huntington, MA 01050
   1-[phone]
   [e-mail]

   Antlers:
   http://www.clockworks.com/cuckooprt.html

5. Attach the new carvings to the appropriate part of the cuckoo clock. Many cuckoo clock carvings come with special mounting hardware. Use a screwdriver to secure the included screws and brackets.

6. Press the carvings that have pegs into place. The pegs fit into holes on the cuckoo clock case. If there is no mounting hardware or pegs, glue the piece by applying a small amount of cuckoo clock epoxy to both the bottom of the new carving and the area on the clock case where the piece will be attached. Press the piece into place, and allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Match the color of the wood on the new carvings to that of the existing carvings. The wood on cuckoo clocks is typically left unpainted to reveal its natural color, texture and grain. Choice of wood color greatly affects the appearance of the clock.

• Use cuckoo clock epoxy sparingly and with care. Epoxy bonds to almost anything.

• Spread newspaper under the work area, and immediately wipe up excess glue with a paper towel.

• Avoid getting glue on hands or skin.

References

• Cuckoo Clock Features
• Cuckoo Clock Diagrams and Guide
• How Cuckoo Clocks are Made