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Letter to the editor

How To: Welcome a grandfather clock to the family

By Don and Dave Runyan, Special to the Times
Published March 8, 2008

Nothing says "family heirloom" like a grandfather clock. And when Grandfather is the one who actually built the clock, it's unusual. If you're a woodworker looking for a special project, this do-it-yourself grandfather clock - with its traditional design - might fit the bill.

Built from oak (other woods will also work), the clock stands 6 feet tall. Its classic design is complemented by the Westminster clock movement, which echoes the chimes of London's Big Ben.

While the project does require time and attention to detail, it's easy enough for most woodworkers. The case is essentially a box, and the curved cuts for the crown and decorative plaque are traced from full-size patterns.

Once the case is built, the decorative details (which give the effect of dimensional molding) are added, and a quartz clock movement is installed. To finish, apply stain and seal and install glass in the door and side panels.

The Grandfather Clock plan, No. 935, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, a shopping list and cutting schedule, a mail-order source for the clock movement and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of three case clock plans, No. C157, is $22.95 and includes plans for this grandfather clock, a craftsman-style grandfather clock and smaller-scale "granddaughter" clock. A free catalog picturing dozens of do-it-yourself projects is also available. Please include $4 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o St. Petersburg Times, 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 107, Oceanside, CA 92056. To order by credit card, call toll-free 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.

[Last modified March 7, 2008, 13:30:05]