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There are several of these Dancing Clocks already posted on LumberJocks and there is nothing special about this one. I used a full size plan ordered from Meisel rather than the one they made available in Wood Magazine. As far as I can tell the only real difference is that the Wood Mag plan has the edges of the body cavity flush whereas the Meisel plan has it stepped inward. I think the Wood Mag design is more appealing but with the Meisel plan the pendulum does not hit the sides (actually it just kisses the side on the left) as posters of the Wood Mag plan have commented.

I made my clock from a 14" wide cherry board making this a pretty expensive project (~$40 wood plus ~$30 for the hardware kit and plan). I couldn't find suitable plywood for the back panels so I re-sawed and planed some more cherry. I had trouble with some of the tight radius corners, the groove near the bottom of the feet and I made my chamfers too long. Some of the other posters of this project did an excellent job in these areas and I'll need to learn their secrets before I make my next one.

Despite several imperfections, this was a fun project, really didn't take too long and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Note that a band saw or scroll saw is a must for this project as is a spindle sander.

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Comments

· Registered
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535 Posts
This is so cute and well made project
 

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172 Posts
I love the design, need to make one for myself some time. Great Job
 

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967 Posts
I've always loved this clock and intend building one for myself some day. I think I'll do my own design though, and paint the smiley face myself. I'm cheap that way. :)
 

· Registered
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6,953 Posts
Nice Clock!

They sure are a hit with the little ones.
 

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37 Posts
Great job! It's not only fun to make, it's (forever) fun to look at. Awesome. Enjoy!
 

· In Loving Memory
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10,077 Posts
Ive made three of these so far.I get the clock mechanism at Hobby Lobby cheaper and quicker than ordering.Got the faces printed on card stock at Quik Print.I made one fron MDF and painted it to match the one in the movie.They are a big hit with the kids and grandparents plus they are fun to make.The Carter Stabilizer really works well in the tight cuts.
 

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39 Posts
Great Job! I know I wish I had a spindle sander when I built mine…was a terrible amount of hand sanding for me. Also, thanks for the tips gfadvm.
 

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18 Posts
so would you saw this was easy or hard ovr all.. i been eye balling this plan at Meisel myself for wuite a while…. I think it looks good…
 

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1,487 Posts
very nice, the clock came out saweeeeeeeeeeet.
 

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Very nice!! I have not seen one of these before. I will have to check out Meisel to see what other fun items they may have. Excellent job!
 
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