I am a designer from Wisconsin, currently residing in Colorado. My father has been woodworking his entire life and I picked it up from him; while he is a master of heritage woodworking, I seem rather adept at a fusion of technology and wood being able to make pretty much anything in a standard woodshop; some years back I built a 4'x8' CNC in my garage in Wisconsin and taught myself G-code. I unfortunately suffer from an autoimmune disorder named gastroduodenal Crohn's and because of this, I now primarily freelance design instead of work for a company on a consistent basis. I am also a proud father of a beautiful little redheaded girl named Olivia and the husband of a beautiful, intelligent woman way out of my league.
Comments
Rustic Reclaimed Clock
Neat project, kudos to you for setting out to make something of your own. A few thoughts: your photo of the mocked up board back is on the right track - your design will look a lot cleaner, be easier to assemble and be more structurally sound if you take the time to true up the interior blocks. Square the back side as best as possible with a table saw or radial arm saw, then run them through a jointer on either side that will be glued to - you want smooth 90 degree angles for your assembling. On the exterior pieces, only true up the interior that will be glued, leave the side that will be facing out as rustic as possible. If you do this, you will end up with a nice looking panel that shouldn't require a backboard like you've glued up in some photos - I should also note that backboard is exceptionally flimsy and will warp in different seasons. When all is said and done, use a router to bore out a space for the clock internals in the back and you will be set. Lastly, look into transferring imagery to wood, it's quite easy and would service to enhance the patina of the wood.
P.S. You can purchase a glass cutter for under $20 and repurpose that collection of Perrier bottles into some beautiful overhead lighting by clipping a few inches above the bottom of the bottle and wiring them with a compatible socket. Make that clock look that much better.