First time clock

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 2:28 am     Post subject: First time clock

I just purchased the "Winston" clock plan and will be attempting a new project. I have done many smaller wood projects in the past but this will be the first, what I consider, a major project. I plan on using dark walnut for my project. The planks I have were rip cut to a 1" x 12" (approx.) size from a tree that was taken down some 10 years ago at my grandfathers farm. The planks have been sitting/stored since then. stacked/spaced and stored out of the weather and seemed to have dried very well, (so it appears-I have used it for a few smaller projects).
I guess my questions are, does walnut make for a good clock? What knd of finish sould I use? Any tips or suggestions that anyone has- especially for a first timer?
Thanks for any input.

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 2:57 pm     Post subject:

Walnut lumber makes for a very beautiful clock - the trouble is that it tends to be pretty expensive these days. You are certainly lucky to have such a supply at your disposal. In regard to a finish, I am a "stickler" for a natural (clear) finish on walnut. Oil finishes or "wipe on" (gel) finishes tend to add depth to the finished piece (however, this is strictly my opinion). Gel finishes will yield the "hand-rubbed" look of an oil finish, and are generally easier to apply (here again, strictly my opinion).

Experiment on a scrap piece of walnut. Finish it (or even stain and finish it) just as you would the actual wood of the clock assembly. This will help take the guess work out of finishing, and demonstrate how a certain finish will look once applied. In most cases where the wood is consistent in coloration (between the earlywood and latewood), I will opt NOT to apply any stain/coloration.