Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-03, страница 18

once again, backlighting is used with good effect.

The fourth level up is the pendulum level, which measures 18" tall x 30" wide x 14" deep, and rests on a 25-1/2" x 40-1/2" floor. This level features the pendulum opening with brackets and internal fretwork, two porches with functional doors, and oncc again, backlighting.

Level five is the weather instrument level and holds three instruments as well as a box measuring 21-3/4" wide x 6" tall x 11" deep. This box features 46 brackets made from contrasting hardwoods and is also backlighted.

The sixth level, or "head section," may be the most impressive part of the clock. The body measures 16" wide x 18" tall x 11" deep, with the pediment and crown extending 4" beyond the roof. The head sits on a scalloped floor, and features brackets, balconies, dormers, and much more. Of special interest is the fretwork clock facc-it has openings behind the cutouts and numerals that allow the light (from the backlighting) to shine through majestically.

The music movement level features cathedra I-style windows, balconies, stairs with railings, and lots more.

Front view of the top two sections.

Going forward

The Wilckcns find themselves at a crossroads regarding this projecl-the big question is, will other people want to build it and. correspondingly, should Ray and Dan offer the plans and patterns to the public? On the "plus" side is the obvious fact that the Tower of Time is an amazing project worthy of respect and possibly even a museum showing. Further, the imaginative scroll sawyer will be able to discover many projects that can be made from the fretwork design of the clock. To cite a few ideas, several smaller clocks, shelves, boxes, and brackets can be turned into projects in their own right. The cabinet makes a fine fretwork television stand with storage for vour DVD player, VCR," and stereo. Even when reduced by 50% it remains a large-scale project that would fit nicely into any home.

On the other hand, there are many factors that make publication a questionable venture-

first, there's the cost. The clock patterns require thirty-five "D"-si/c pages, each of which is 22" x 34"! Further, writing the instructions would be a monumental task requiring thousands of words and lots more paper. Then there's the size. Most ceilings are 18" too low for the clock, not to mention its 500-pound weight! Also, folks with small shops might find themselves challenged for space. The Wilckens have a medium-size shop and found themselves quite crowded at times while building the clock. In addition, one's health and strength might be a factor—the clock becomes heavy once the first level has been made, and it does need to be moved around to facilitate assembly. Add to all this the cost for the wood and other supplies, and you end up with plenty of questions!

So, the Wilckens need some feedback from you, the readers of Creative Woodworks & Crafts. They'd appreciate hearing from you to find out whether you think these plans should be made available. Maybe they will and maybe they won't, but there is one thing we know for sure-it's been fascinating seeing the Tower of Time and learning about its design, its construction, and its builders!

Wilckens Woodworking may be reached at wilkswood@aol.com or vou can call (816) 373-0124, preferably evenings CST. »

14 • Creative Woodworks S. Crafts March 2004