Here is an easy to follow guide on how to put together your own grandfather clock kit.
1. Grandfather clocks typically stands 6 ½ feet tall. So the first step would be to cut out two sections of wood, each is 18 inches high by 8 inches wide. . Saw 2 more sections of equal height by a width of 14 inches. These 4 pieces will form the rough shape of the hood or the top section of the grandfather clock.
2. Cut the tops of the two wider pieces into the shape of an arch using the coping saw. These two pieces become the front and back of the hood. Trim the narrow pieces to fit as the sides of the hood.
3. Use the coping saw to cut an arch-shaped window of one of the wider pieces of the hood. Cut out almost the entire piece, leaving just a narrow frame about ½ inches wide.
4. Using a fretsaw cut additional small arches in the center on each of the side pieces measuring 4(wide) x 8(height) inches. The 2 side pieces and the cut out front should be glued together forming a 3-sided box. Another piece of wood should be cut, with a measurement of 8 x 14 inches; glue on the hood’s top, thus this is the top of the hood.
5. Cut 2 pieces of wood, 18 x 48 inches using a regular saw and another 2 pieces, each should be 14 x 48 inches. With the use of a coping saw, cut a window out of one of the wider pieces, this will leave a ½ inch wide frame.
6. Assemble the 4 larger pieces to form a tall box which will serve as the waist of the grandfather clock. Glue the pieces in place.
7. Cut 6 pieces of wood to serve as the base of the grandfather clock. Each piece must measure 24 x 24 inches, glue them to form the shape of a cube.
8. Lastly, glue the waist on top of the base and the hood on top of the waist. Secure the clock movement inside the hood of the grandfather clock using a screw. Install the weights and the pendulum inside the waist, just the follow the instructions for their particular or specific movement.
For added information:
• The pendulum is contained in a long, wooden case.
• The slow movement of the weights operates a series of internal wheels and gears which controls the hands and dials on the clock face.
• The clock face is often decorated richly and sports additional dials that tells date and phase of the moon.
Grandfather clock kits are made available in a wide array of choices for you to find one that suits your style and skills.