For a while, I've had in my head to build a replica of a George Nelson's sunburst clock. Designed in the late 40's, it definitely has that "atomic age" look about it, which appeals to me. Here is an example of an original:
There are a number of variations with different color schemes and materials, but I thought I'd opt for one with a relatively understated combination (similar to the one above). Maybe one day I'll take the full plunge and go for one of the multi-color spike versions.
I enjoy projects with challenges, and this one has one fat, juicy challenge - how to make the spikes, which have a diamond-shaped cross section and how to shape the ends to fit against the cylindrical hub. If the spikes had been square in cross section, making a tapering jig would have been more straightforward. I spent a couple weeks on-and-off scheming ways to cut the diamond spikes that were repeatable and consistent (and safe). That had to be worked out before going any further with the project. In the next post, I'll share where I landed.
It always cracks me up when someone mentions "space age or atomic age" materials! I think great, something from the 60's.
However your description is spot on, something actually designed at the that time, very Jetson's!
I can see the challenges, tapered spikes, check, mortised hub, check, curved spike bases, er....
Some fancy jiggery and a hub diameter drill bit maybe, but you always arrive at innovative methods so this will be fun for us lurkers at least! Makes me think of what the manufactures process people had to noodle through back then.
Interesting build, looking forward to see your take on it! For a perfect square-to-round-fit have a look at this guys method: https://youtu.be/J92DZeDVYwI?si=mJ6_GdmniJmGoFxR
"The good chair is a task one is never completely done with" Hans Wegner
Ty - That is a great video - I'll need to check out more of his content. I've already got a workable solution for my project, but I might need to build some of his jigs. Thanks for the link!
