Retro Style Wood Veneered Table Clock

Throughout most of history everything was made by hand.  In more recent times the manufacture of goods has done away with things like the elegant curves of objects made in the 1930's and 40's.  However, newer technology is giving you a chance to add those details back in if you know how to use it.  

I live in an apartment so I don't have a large workshop area or any large power tools.  I do have a dremel and a computer, though, and that opens up a world of possibilities.  This clock is a combination of a laser cut skeleton and hand finished details.  It becomes the best of both worlds - the parts of the project I would need large tools for are done super efficiently by computers and robots, and I come in for the delicate hand work that it wouldn't make sense for a robot to do.

Step 1 Supplies and Equipment

Supplies:

Wood Veneers - I used ice birch and sapele.  You want the kind without a paper backing, that stuff just gets in the way.
Wood Glue
Masking Tape
Sandpaper
Clock Mechanism
Laser Cut 1/8" wood parts (more info in the next step)

Equipment:
All the clamps you can find
A dremel with a drill bit and sanding disc are nice, but not completely necessary
A very sharp utility knife with a surface to cut on

Comments

[longwinters]

If I might offer one suggestion as a person who has layed many a mile of veneer, try using spray contact cement, and a J roller, no need for clamps or worries about warping from moisture, a file works great for cleaning up the edges.

I do have to say though even though you seem concerned with the process the asthetic is perfect, the feel of this clock is right for the materials you used
great job.

[cook4you]

Extremely nice will be looking at your blog now after i post this and see if i can borrow some idea's from you
hope you don't mind


oh thank you for the nice clock

[technofossil]

Nice work. I love the retro design.

[alin2]

An alternative to the risky Kool-Aid Man approach may be to carefully cut from the inside with an X-acto knife. Even if you only score around the inside edge, it might help stop the cracks from passing beyond the cut-out area.

[vincent7520]

How nice !…

Up till now I thought the only thing we could put on a table was a table cloth ! …
:D

(Cheap) joke apart this is a job done very nicely.
congratulations;