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How Handmade Hardwood Wall Clocks Are Made

This gallery offers a closer look at how my handmade hardwood wall clocks come together in the shop. These production images show the materials, carved details, and finishing steps behind each oversized heirloom clock.

From figured maple faces and hand-carved Roman numerals to opalescent epoxy details and final assembly, each stage reflects the same emphasis on craftsmanship, proportion, and durability that defines the finished piece.

Clock face preparation for hand-carved Roman numerals on a figured wood wall clock
Clock face preparation for hand-carved Roman numerals. Here I've lightly drawn out my X and Y axes on the clock face and aligned my Roman numeral printouts so they're positioned precisely. I've taped the wood on the underside of the printouts to prevent tear-out while I hand carve the numerals. At this stage, the clock face has its natural voids already filled with blue-tinted epoxy and the entire face has a single seal-coat of clear resin.
Close-up of hand-carved Roman numerals in progress on a figured wood clock face
Hand-carved Roman numerals in progress. The masking tape helps prevent tear-out while carving and keeps the lines clean and defined. These will be filled with opalescent resin and sanded flat before a full top-coat of clear resin is spread over the entire clock face.
Cherry clock with maple crown and unfinished body during final assembly
Cherry clock with maple crown and unfinished body. Here, the face is complete minus the hole for the clock movement. Just checking the fit of the face to the clock body before finishing work begins on the body itself. Nothing shows off the figured grain of quilted maple quite like epoxy. It has a chatoyance reminiscent of minerals like Tiger Eye. Almost holographic.
Opalescent blue epoxy filling hand-carved Roman numerals and natural voids in a wood clock face
Opalescent blue epoxy filling hand-carved Roman numerals and natural voids. I have a myriad of colors to choose from here but I felt a medium-toned blue complemented the wood in this particular piece.

The Immortal Tree -- Handcrafted in Kingston, New Hampshire