This is a relatively common build. Followers of Paul Seller's make and post images of "Seller's-inspired," "my-interpretation of," or "Purist" examples of his clock, which originally appeared on YouTube in a free online course he offered. This example of mine is in the "Purist" style. I typically look at pieces online or in a magazine and then draw a picture of what my take on a particular piece would be and come up with some measurements, which get refined a number of times, decide on a wood species, and hit the tools. The problem for me with this kind of adaptive learning is that half of the education, as in the instructional/teacher insights is omitted. I wanted to build my first Seller's clock as Paul did. I wanted to go through the processes he does. More than a clock, I wanted to understand how this master applied his trade, in terms of design, tool choice, order of steps, and methodology. And, I certainly wanted to do that...
This is one of my favorite builds. I made it as a gift for my wife. The clock is almost entirely ahandtool build with some help from a router and scroll saw. Materials: Red oak (top and bottom, sides and rails for the panel frame) White oak (top and bottom) Maple (faceplate) Cherry (bird) Clock insert Construction Paper Top & Bottom: The top and bottom were sized up and prepared. Then I used the router to add a simple edge. I hand-cut four quarter-inch stopped dados, 1/4" deep, using a Japanese saw, a chisel, and my router plane. My only regret is I allowed my mind to wander and I mistakenly cut the dados straight. That is, these should have been made to accept a sliding dovetail. Nonetheless, the final joints proved strong and tight. The Remainder of the Body: The clock is difficult to glue up, given it must be done so together, As mentioned, the clock has two stiles that are attached to the top and bottom by four sliding dados. In the front, grooves were cu...