Wood Clock

wackydesigner · 09-09-2007, 01:13 PM

Hey guys,
I wanna create a clock like this.

WOOD PLINTH CLOCK

Any tips on where I can get a wood like that?
Thanks.

Crackers · 09-09-2007, 02:25 PM

Most wood will crack or warp if you just cut it like that; that is why cutting boards, table tops... are smaller slats joined together, reversing the arc of the wood...

Back on topic: There are a few trees that are fine.. I think (but can't remember for certain) mahogany is one, and the wood shown here is available in multiple kinds (lots of different Acadia) may be another..

Try a specialty lumber yard (where you get rough (unfinished) wood). Usually they can guide you to a local saw mill.

Jeekinz · 09-09-2007, 04:12 PM

Looks like walnut. You could play around with stains to get that brownish glowiing effect.

If the disc does crack, it will just add character.

wackydesigner · 09-09-2007, 09:40 PM

Ive looked on ebay but seems like none of them have the round spiral in the middle. Anyone know of a place online I could get some? Looked around locally for a lumber yard but couldn't find anyone who could sell me any.

cambie · 09-10-2007, 02:40 AM

I'm curiuos where to get the clock parts. I tried making a clock with parts from Michaels, but the clock was out of whack. 6 and 12 o clock weren't exactly perpendicular. I'm afraid to try ordering another kind, for fear they are all cheap and the same.

mdlbldrmatt135 · 09-10-2007, 06:03 AM

that "spiral" is the growth rings of the tree. each tree will obviously be different.

Crackers · 09-10-2007, 11:28 AM

The spiral is from the tree. It looks like it has been accented with some stain, but it is not simulated. You can simulate it, but then it is ugly.

You need to go to a saw mill. Get a referral from a place that sells rough wood.

mdlbldrmatt135 · 09-11-2007, 12:31 PM

Try over to the woodworking forum : http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/ some of the guys there have sawmills.....

crecore · 09-11-2007, 09:44 PM

I did not know that Acacia got that large.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia

Thats called a slab wood cut. Tough to keep it from checking, warping, etc when it dries. I have been experimenting myself. Takes a year or so. The middle darker rings are called heart wood. I have cut apple that looked a lot like that in shape and color accept for the bark.

OK.. now I'm totallyguessing but... Acacia is a tropical wood so maybe it holds a lot of water? This might slow the drying process and help reduce checking.

good luck