I’m attempting to carve my first clock that will be a wedding gift. I have it designed, but I don’t know about my thickness measurements for carving in relationship to carving out the backside for the clock mechanism. Hopefully someone can give me some great advice.
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I would start by modeling the entire thickness of the desired pocket on the back side, then build everything on top of that, and where appropriate, subtract from the sides/surround.
So, let’s see if I get you right. I’m starting with 1 5/8" stock, my clock mechanism is 1/2" deep, so I should set my base about 5/8" or so. Agree?
If you want the pocket mechanism recessed by 1/8" from the back, yes.
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@softail96, that is a nice project. I am going to be that guy though 
, and point out that if the name is a plural (as in “the Deckers live next door”) it does not have an apostrophe. If it is a plural possessive (as in “I am visiting the Deckers’ farm tomorrow”) the apostrophe would be at the end of the name. The only time the apostrophe would go where it is would be in a sentence like “I’m borrowing old man Decker’s lawn mower” (singular possessive). You are putting much time and effort in the project, so be careful it says what you intend… 
And congratulations to the Deckers. 
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Hey, any helpful criticism is always appreciated. Thanks much as I’m only getting started with this project.
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Yeah, I thought about both pointing that out, and also noting that if one wishes to use such a character, it should be a curly apostrophe:
’
(as opposed to a uni-directional single computer quote, ’ (note that that is italicized because the specific character is being referred to), but hey, at least I used the correct double primes and okina in my other post…)
c.f.,
and esp. see:
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The Decker’s [house] ? 
Coincidentally, I’ve just been enlisted to make a clock for a wedding as well. Not that ornate though
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Actually, it was this photo I saw on my Facebook page that got me thinking about doing a clock. But after my page refreshed, I couldn’t find it again. Excellent work. Would you be willing to share/sell the file?
That’s the example my wife gave me. I haven’t made one yet.
I did create the clock face at Online Analogue Clock Face Generator
That’s an svg, just right-click → save as if you want it.
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Thanks so much and by the way, the little paw print really gave the face some more personal detail to it. Again, Thanks
Note that for folks who want a bit more control, and who have a bit of patience, it’s pretty straight-forward to just make it in Carbide Create:
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Here’s a better one with the text converted to vectors (paths)
I liked the paw print too. Their dogs are going to be in their wedding, so I’ll put that back in.
Will, I just stumbled on that webpage & thought I’d give it a try. Quite a bit of control & adjustment, so I figured it would get me really close quicker. But, yes, pretty simple to design from scratch.
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I want to thank everyone that took some time and offered tips. WillAdams, thanks for the tutorial, it was helpful. So this is what I have so far. My depths for all of the carving is 0.100", I’m going to waste a piece of scrap wood and see how it works. Thanks again
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I have done several Clocks. 1. Measure the thickness of the stock. 2. Determine the length of the clock mechanism stem (the extension where the hands will attach. .I, generally like to have the stem extend minimum of 0.25 from the clock face. Example 0,75 clock stem; 0.75 stock thickness, I would machine the clock insert to a depth of 0.5 inch. The stem should extend about 0.5 from the face.
I will drill a small hole in the stock at the point I want the stem to extend pass the front. With the clock insert on the backside, the small drill hole will give you the reference point for both the front and back. Hope, this makes sense.
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It looks great and I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.
A little constructive opinion: To my eye, the wording feels a little crowded(?)…Maybe try the “Est date” a bit smaller and create more room for “The Deckers” to breathe? Just to my eye. Or… don’t.
You know what they say about opinions…everyone has one…
Gary
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Gary, I agree with the opinion comment, but as long as it’s done without malice, I appreciate everyone’s opinion.
After cutting out a piece of scrap wood, I decided to make several changes. It’s all about trial and error.
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This seems better balanced to my eye.