Craftsman Style Mantel Clock

"This mantle clock is the perfect weekend project and packs in some great woodworking."

- By Willie Sandry

PROJECT #2201

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 2 Days

Cost: $100

A mantel clock is a fun thing to build because it’s small in scale and won’t exhaust your lumber supply. In a long weekend, you can transform a few pieces of lumber into something special that can be displayed on a mantel or shelf for years to come. This version features walnut bars set into notches in the legs, for a unique appearance that invites a second look.

I built this clock with a Leigh Frame Mortise and Tenon Jig, but the plan could easily be used for loose tenon joinery or traditional tenons at the table saw. Start by cutting all parts to size, except the two back panels. We’ll wait to size those panels until the clock is assembled. Now set out to build the frame of the clock, which is like a “frame within a frame.” As with most woodworking projects, sequence is important, and we’ll need to cut the joinery before cutting any curves.

Since the tenons automatically fit the mortises with the joinery system, it doesn’t matter which is cut first. I started with the tenons by drawing center crosshairs on the end of one workpiece. Then position the workpiece against the vertical stop and slide the “sight” in place.