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...
There is a thrift store near us that specializes in previously owned superannuated tools, which is just a nice way to say old and worn. It is similar in all respects to a used tool shelf in a flea market. There are some gems and surprises mixed in with the illimitable junk. Most times I go there I leave empty-handed. Sometimes I find something inexpensive and useful, and other times expensive and broken. I see these minor victories and disappointments as a requisite part of the adventure. That is, a part of doing business. I walked in to this store, a few weeks back, only to find, to my surprise, twelve, rather rusty, Stanley #45 combination planes. All were just sitting placidly there as if awaiting an orphan train. Each was made to wear a sign that read "Open Your Doors." It broke my heart. I felt morally compelled to intercede. I mean, what's one more tool to oil around the shop. The sad truth was plain enough, a woodworking enthusiast, tool-collector extraordinaire...