Clocks

There’s not a whole lot to say about installing hinges, other than these Brusso hinges are gorgeous. Their fine reputation is very well deserved. They are very nicely finished, pleasingly thick, all precisely the same size, and made in the U.S.A. They are also thoughtfully packaged with the screws in a plastic bag separate from the hinges to avoid scratching in transit. As for screws, they send a full set of brass screws and one stainless screw to use for setting up. My only complaint is that the brass screws have cross-point heads. I’m an traditionalist who wants slotted brass screws for hinges. Some are on order.

In the meantime, I’ve used stainless screws for the initial installation.

Gratitude: beautiful hinges

Slow, steady, and not too much is the current shop time formula. Yet “poco a poco” progress is sneaking along.

Case joinery for this clock is, to my mind, a bit weak. The side frames are connected by mortise and tenon to the top and bottom plates. That’s normal, but these tenons are on the minimal side. Yes, they measure up to the usual 1/3 of available stock dimensions, but when one looks at the weight involved, I’m skeptical that they are robust enough. The base weight of the case, the added moldings, the glass, and a very expensive brass mechanism seems a lot to hang on some 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch tenons, especially if one depends on glue alone.

These tenons result in nice snug, “self supporting” fits as long as “self” is one of the top or bottom plates alone. I’m adding two screws as insurance to each of the four joins.

The backboard fits nicely into rebates in the side frames and top and bottom plates. Three screws into each of the top and bottom plates are the main attachment of the back which supports that expensive brass mechanism. Two screws, one midway in each side, add additional support. Those side screws will be in elongated holes to allow for seasonal wood movement.

Here’s the dry fitted case with the door lying loosely in place. Next, fitting some very nice hinges. …

Gratitude: No major wood movement high jinks.

Accidentally drop that piece of toast with jelly. The probability of landing jelly side down seems to be 0.9944.

And when a board is accidentally knocked out of the vise, what are the odds of it landing on a fragile corner?

Right: 0.9944!

That’s too much damage for the steam iron rescue. It took only a couple of hours to make a replacement. …and would have taken only a half-turn of the vise handle to prevent it in the first place.

Gratitude: extra cherry lumber and sharp planes