What Is A Gravity Clock?

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I have been cramming to learn so much stuff at the computer, I decided it was time to take a break and get back into the shop when a good client asked me to build some more display cases for his antique gravity clocks. 

I have been posting the builds on Instagram, and one of the questions that has been coming up from those that follow me is, "What is a gravity clock?" So I decided to do a quick video. 

In the picture below you can see one of the display cases I built in the client's home as well as some of my previous work in the background to the left. There are 3 floating shelves loaded with antique clocks. 

The stick laying at an angle is a ramp for a rolling gravity clock. Another contractor made that last year and I will be making another one since that one has twisted. I will be sure to make a video of that as I need to work the bugs out of my own video workflow and process. 

I have been posting a lot on Instagram as I build these. If you want to follow along with what is happening, check out my Instagram account and give a follow. I am not only posting pictures, but with IG's new 1 minute length on video clips, I am able to share really great tips as I build projects. 

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

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Lock Your Dovetails and Box Joints

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Early on in my career, when I took an interest in building furniture, I took a good look at antiques to get an idea of how furniture was constructed. 

One of the biggest surprises to me, was to find that it was not uncommon to see dovetail joinery and box joints falling apart. This really surprised me until I came to understand the reasons why. 

Through my study and observation of antique furniture, I also came up with a simple, yet ingenious solution to lock the dovetails and box joints together. 

In this video I share my favorite woodworking tip and technique of all time, which is how I lock my dovetails and box joints together.

I hope you find the information in this video helpful and that you go out in the shop and give it a try. 

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge. 

American Craftsman Shop Class Update

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There has been so much work to do in setting things up for the online school but I am getting closer.

I have a basic setup in place for my website and school platform, so I have moved on to the next step. Right now I am working on getting used to the workflow of recording and becoming familiar with my new audio and video equipment to reduce errors and become more efficient.

Perfect case in point; I did some recording on a clock case project and found that I had not been turning one of the cameras on. That is simply an issue of being unfamiliar with the equipment. That is why the shop update videos are so important, they are good practice for me being in front of the camera as well as working the back side.

I had originally hoped to be starting class sign-ups at the beginning of February, but I think it will be more into the 2nd or 3rd week. This ship needs to leave the dock soon, I haven't had any income since the middle of December and that is a great motivator!

I appreciate your patience and support and hope to see you soon in the American Craftsman Shop Class.

Your friend in the shop -

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge