My Dome Clock Construction

[R.Edwards]

muzzleloader,
Yes. I cut all the square "walls" to final outer dimensions first and dry fit all of a particular floor with tape to make sure everything fits. These initial cuts are done on the table saw using stop blocks for matching length pieces. I then cut all the internal cuts on the scroll saw. There are some "straight" cuts on some compound angle walls on the upper portion that I chose to cut on the scroll saw. These turned out ok with only a little truing up with a hand plane needed to make them fit perfectly.
I just now finished glueing up the top most section. I plan to spend a few hours tommorrow on finish. Oil on the still raw top two sections and lacquer on the first and second floors. I'll try and post more pics soon.
Thanks for looking!
Ralph

[Neal Moore]

I had a heck of a time trying to figure out how to make the 45 degree cuts on the upper parts of the of the step enclosures on each side of the first floor with a table saw. Finally built a sliding jig that slides along the saw fence and stood the wood on it's edge for the cuts. Worked like a champ!!

[Pajaro]

Ralph. You need more dust in your workshop. And is that a shot gun behind the clock in the second picture. Oh I get it you blow away the dust with shot gun right.

[R.Edwards]

Pajaro,
That's one of the nice things about photos. Some details like shop dust doesn't show.
Yeah that's an old rusty shotgun that belonged to my dad. Don't want to store it with my other guns as I'm a firm believer that rust is "contagious". The gun's not really worth having reblued professionally but for sentimental reasons I don't want to get rid of it. Maybe someday I'll try a little do it yourself cleanup and reblueing.
I've been out of town the past few day's so now the Watco oil should be dry enough to start the lacquer. I'm ready to see this project completed.
Thanks for looking.
Ralph

[f250]

Besides the missing sawdust, there is also a significant amount of missing clutter and piled up stuff your wife wants thrown away. I can send you some of all that stuff if you need it to make a proper shop

That clock is fabulous. You should be seriously proud of that. How cool it is to finish a huge project like that. Congrats to you and awesome job!

Tom

[Powakee]

Ralph
I, too, am one of the silent majority that always looks at the dome clock w/ some longing and wondering if I could ever do it. I am so much enjoying and gaining inspiration from your ongoing posts. This is a beautiful project! I look forward to the next set of pics.

John

[newscroller]

It really is coming along good. Fine job!!!! Looking forward to seeing it as your progress continues. Some day I would like to try a clock, but not as big as yours. Thank you for the pictures.

[R.Edwards]

Folks, thanks for taking time to look and comment.
Sorry I haven't got more pictures just yet. This time of year I don't get as much shop time as I'd like. I have managed to get a coat of lacquer on the clock and done a little between coat sanding. I'm waiting on enough time and non rainy weather to get outside and finish spraying. I'll post pictures when that stage is complete.
Thanks,
Ralph

[R.Edwards]

SHE'S FINISHED!!
Put the last finishing touches on last night. I want to thank all the helpful folks on this board that shared their photos and ideas whenever I ran into roadblocks. Special thanks to Norman and Rose, James, and William. I used a modified version of James' idea to make the columns at top since I didn't have a lathe. I have just this past week bought a nice lathe so now I'll have even more projects on my to do list.
It took me a long time to build the clock but I really enjoyed the time spent.
Thanks for looking.
Ralph

[Wood Dog]

She's beautiful Ralph.....thanks for posting your pictures.