How to Build a Shaker Wall Clock
Shaker clocks derive their name from the Shaker religious sect that had large communities in upstate New York through the middle of the 1800s. At the time, Shakers took great pride in constructing their own furniture. Shaker clocks (as well as other antiques) are highly prized for their simple yet elegant designs. This clock has a front door that opens to reveal the clock's interior.
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Things You'll Need
- Cherry or oak wood
- Saw
- Wood glue
- .75-inch screws
- Black putty
- 1 piece 6-inch diagonal glass
- Clock motor
- Clock hands
- 2 hinges .75 inches x .625 inches
- 1 dial face .25 x 6.25 x 6.75 inches
- 1 time ring 3.75 in
- Wood stain
Instructions
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Constructing the Clock
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1
Cut the following pieces out of wood:
2 sides .25 x 2 x 10.5 inches
2 top/bottom .25 x 2 x 7 inches
1 back .25 x 6.75 x 10.25 inches
2 dial supports .25 x .75 x 7 inches
4 door segments .375 x.625 x 3.5 inches
2 door sides .375 x .625 x 5.5 inches
1 panel .25 x 3.25 x 6 inches -
2
To construct the clock's door, cut one quarter of a 5.5-inch diameter circle into the four door segments and glue together to form one square piece with a 5.5-inch diameter circle cut in the middle. Cut grooves into the two door sides and the door bottom. Place the door panel into the grooves and glue all four pieces together. Glue the door segments and the door's lower half to finish assembling.
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3
To create the clock's case, glue together the sides, the top, the bottom and the back.
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4
Attach the completed door to the clock's case using the two hinges.
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5
Glue the dial supports to the inside back of the box, and attach the dial face to the support using the four screws. Glue on the paper time ring and drill a hole for the clock motor. Position the clock motor through the hole and add the hands.
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6
Use black putty to attach the glass pane to the inside of the door.
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7
Sand the clock and finish with wood stain.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use a router to smooth any rough edges before assembling the clock to create a smoother finished product.
Always protect the hands and eyes when using an electric saw to cut the wood.
References
- Photo Credit clock in macro image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
