Attaching columns to clock hood

[Dennis Heyza]

I am nearing completion of a dwarf clock and am curious as to how the columns get attached. In this case they mount to the underside of the sides of the pediment box and the bottom molding. I have looked at multiple resources and found (a) put tenons on them and drill a corresponding hole in the other parts and (b) use a tiny screw or nail to attach them (backside of column). Are these the normal methods or are there other options? I assume just gluing them isn't sufficient due to end grain on columns.

Thoughts?

 

[Troy Livingston]

Interesting, this is something I've never paid much attention to. I think mostly they used round tenons at each end with a matching holes.

A survey of three pillar and scroll cases shows tenons with caps that are glued. One was loose and has dropped down a little...






A tall case with single piece columns that have tenons.


Frequently brass caps were used, some I suspect with tenons in the columns others with columns having no tenons. The brass caps hold them in place and are secured with small nails. I suspect this column has tenons as I don't see any fasteners.


If you have a sliding bonnet then tenons are probably a good idea as the columns make tempting handles when pulling the assembly forward.

Troy

 

[Dennis Heyza]

Thanks so much, Troy. That makes perfect sense. Interestingly, every tall clock plan I've found lacks a tenon in the (column) part drawing, which isn't helpful to someone new to clock making.