Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 6:12 PM #1

Bill Lordan, Auburn NH
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Clock Inserts

Bill Lordan, Auburn NH

>I have several 1 3/8" clock inserts that I bought several years ago and never got around to using. I was thinking of turning some of those small desk clocks you see in many of the catalogs. They are usually made from a nice burl and sit on the desk with the clock face angled towards you. My question is how to cut the angle - quickly and safely - on such a short piece of wood. I've been drawing a blank on this all morning - just another senoir moment I quess.

I'd appreciate any guidance I could get.

Bill Lordan

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 7:12 PM #2

Richard Allen
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Registered: 1/2/04

Re: Clock Inserts

Richard Allen

>I use a stationary belt sander.

- - -

I have been turning wood for about 12 years now. I consume about 20 hours a week in front of the lathe making primarly bowls and platters. I keep thinking about making other "stuff" on the lathe, and ocasionaly I even get beyond the thinking part. But I take the most pleasure in bowls and platters. I have most every tool availble for the lathe but I am always looking for a new tool. More than looking for a new tool I am looking for a new hunk of wood. While a corner woodworker (sometimes called flat woodworker) can never have enough clamps, I find most woodturners can never have enough turning stock. The woodturning club I belong to has a Christmas party each year and part of that party is a "grab bag". We bring in a turning, that is judged by the people who come to the party. The people who make the top three turnings get prizes (like sandpaper or a tool). The real prize though is the exchange of turnings that comes from this colection of turnings. Some of my most cherished turned objects are the ones I have recieved from these grab bags.

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 7:17 PM #3

Fred in NC
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Re: Clock Inserts

Fred in NC

>I have run into the same problem when making round bases for pens.

Are you planning to cut a diagonal ACROSS THE AXIS or INTERSECTING THE AXIS ?

Just to give you an idea, I usually cut the diagonal while the piece is still square. What I do next depends on the kind of cut. Sometimes I can get away with cutting the piece while it is square, and glueing it back with a piece of paper in between. After turning, I knock it off and sand a little.

fred

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 7:25 PM #4

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA
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Re: Clock Inserts

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Hi Bill

I don't bother with an angle on mine; they seem to sell just fine without one. But, I still have to put a smooth, flat surface on the bottom and for that, I use the sliding table on my table saw whenever possible. If that is not possible due to size or shape, I very carefully cut the piece on the bandsaw and then sand it smooth.

Good luck with it.

Bill

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 10:35 PM #5

Tim McGill
Guest

Any recommendations for source

Tim McGill

>I have considered some projects myself that involve clock inserts. I've seen them in various supply catalogs but the price seems to be high. Does anyone have a better source that is more reasonable, or is 5-8 dollars a typical price for quantities less than 20.

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 11:10 PM #6

RonZ
Guest

Re: Clock Inserts

RonZ

>This is what I do. I get positioned just right, tilt the clock back at about a 25 degree abgle and lower it to the belt sander. My excuse for the rough bottom is so that the clock won't slip off the desk. =o)

Re: Clock Inserts

9/14/04, 11:30 PM #7

Bill Lordan, Auburn NH
Guest

Re: Clock Inserts

Bill Lordan, Auburn NH

>Thanks for the advice gentlemen. I don't know why I never thought of going to the belt sander. I think I might like to try reglueing the cut angles back together and then turning the piece. It sounds like it could be fun experimenting.

Thanks again for your help

Bill Lordan

Re: Clock Inserts

9/15/04, 2:46 PM #8

Brad Vietje
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3,280 posts

Registered: 1/5/04

Re: Clock Inserts

Brad Vietje

>Hi Bill,

I've wrestled with cutting small odd-shaped chunks on the bandsaw, and every now and then there's more excitement that I was hoping for ! I think building a small sled for the bandsaw, or a small clamping block with a wide flat base that can hold the piece firmly, while resisting the rotational force into the blade, would work well, and could be used with a crosscut jig or miter slide.

Safe Spinning (and cutting!),

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: Clock Inserts

9/16/04, 2:29 PM #9

David Chung
Guest

Try Klockit

David Chung

>They mail out a catalog that has inserts in various sizes and price ranges. As for cutting the angle, I have manually tilted the piece and cut off on a chop saw, then sand smooth against a disc sancer. The cop saw is probably not the safest, but if you don't cut a large chunk off, the process is rather benign.

Clock Inserts

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