I am completing a grandfather clock that was started 15 years ago by a wonderful friend who is 89 years young. He is still a master woodworker and has made many of these clocks from scratch over the years. He is like a father to me and when ever I visited his shop to pick his brain, he always helped me in any way. In the back of his shop stood this big Cherry grandfather clock about 90% complete. It had an inch of dust on and when ever I asked him about it, he never gave me much of an answer. I think I did figure it out. He started this clock for a friend or family member who died. He could not finish it or talk about it because of the hurt he felt losing them. When I visited him this summer, he gave me the clock and parts.

 

Now the problem, he had made the bottom molding, and could only find one of the top moldings. I went to the internet to see about 5 videos to find out how to make them. Then I had to plane down some aged Cherry to make the pieces. I only had enough to make the three pieces I needed. I better not screw up. I managed to get the table saw set up and cut the curves OK. Boy I didn't realize how much sanding I had in store. By the way, I priced a 8 ft piece of crown molding at $185 at a molding store. That is why I tried myself.

 

I had the biggest problem figuring out the miter angles and made the first cut wrong. I still had an inch to play with and still couldn't figure what I was doing wrong. I could not afford to make any more mistakes. I watched the videos again..............and again.
I was sure I had it right and did another cut..................whew it was right. I did take most of the day to get it all done and they don't look like the bottom molding at all, but only a real woodworker will know.

 

I thought at first I would stain the whole thing when I get it done because my pieces are much lighter that the aged wood in the rest of the clock. I change my mind and will let that light wood be a tribute to him.
I have made many things in my life, but this one is for me.

Ron what a wonderful project you have undertaken. I read with great interest and what a cool story this is. I can sympathize with you on the whole crown molding ordeal and trying to miter it correctly, I had a similar episode with crown molding a few years back and got really frustrated and it finally took hold and I now understand the theory of mitering crown molding.

As for your cherry clock, I know this might seem sacrilegious at this point, but have you thought of sanding the entire clock out so the color is uniform. I guess what you would be doing is sanding out the patina it has gained over the years.

Just a thought. And it probably needs a good sanding anyway after sitting for that long.

You are correct, it sure will need sanding. There are dings and spots on it that I would not normally tolerate. However this is a special project and the things that won't sand out, I will not cover them. I know that those things were a result of what he was doing, maybe a few small areas where he splashed some stain from another project that won't come out, that is OK. Over the years I have helped several older guys make it when they had no one to help them and I have kept something from each and have those things in my shop. Little things like something they have made or a silly sign like, "Yesterday I couldn't spell engineer and today I are one."

Excellent Ron, the character marks should not be sanded out, a light sanding might even up the color however to match your crown. But your right, character marks is what makes a piece unique and enjoyable to look at. How about some pics Ron, any yet?? I am very anxious to see this beaut.

Here he is.

I am still fumbling around the site but I did get a picture in my first entry by editing. You can see that it is a large clock with a lot of beautiful cherry. I sure hope I can finish this job and be able to send him a finished picture that I can be proud of.

Ron

There we go Ron!!!!! Now we are in business! So, you got the pic thing under control right?

And the clock is a beaut man. What kind of clock works are you going to put into it?? Great job Ron. I wish you the best of luck with that one. Please keep the pics coming.

The picture thing is still hit miss for me. I have no idea why it sometimes downloads a file that you have to open and other times downloads the picture. . When I first tried to answer you with a picture, it would not work again, but it did work when I edited my first post. I think it may be cyber gremlin magic

 

Ron, I just read this thread, don't know how I missed it and that is one sweet story. Special people come along in our lives and add stepping stones to our path. It will be a great tribute to you and him when it is complete. I am looking forward to watching this thread with great anticipation as this comes together.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about the clock and please take the pictures and share as it comes together. The pictures will also be a lasting tribute to a special project.

It looks like your shop is a busy place these days.

I hope you get to send him a picture of the finished clock.

Best of luck with this one.

I have put the Grandfather clock on hold for a while. I will work on sections from time to time and will take pictures. However, with Christmas coming up, I have other irons in the fire, including the hobby horse. My wood working time has been divided by two grand-kids and that is a good thing.

 

Ron, the clock is purely beautiful. I would have liked to have worked under the tutelage of your friend for awhile.

Ron's grand dad clock, a classic post for our forum back in the day.

John there is a sequel to this finish. I went to Rockler for finishing advise. They recommended a light sanding and apply a water based cherry stain. I applied it as directed and when I let it sit overnight......It turned BLACK. I worked my tail off removing that junk. I then sanded it all down and applied a good regular stain. It came out great. I think I posted a picture of the finished clock. If not, let me know, I will 

Ron, let me see if I can dig up the follow up post by you. I am sure it's still there, when I find it I'll move it up here to the active forum, thanks!