Clock Project question

[dale]

I have been thinking of doing a clock project and was wondering do they sale very good or is it not worth the while?

And what kind of price do you get for a clock project? I know the different kind and size makes a difference.
I guess what I am asking a project with out a clock verses a project with one what is the difference in price that you would aske..
Now im talking the same project w/wo.

hope that makes sense.

dale

[Greenfield_Bob]

Dale, it might help if we knew what area you live in.

Bob

[Steviegwood]

Dale, also it would depend on what size and style clock that you use. I buy some of my mini inserts in large quantities and can pass a discount to the customer. Some of the more elaborate clocks can be pricey and if it has to be a special order you have your shipping charges. Steve

[workin for wood]

I would think an open gear clock like the one in the last ssw issue would be a great seller. Personally, I think a clock that can hang on a wall is better than a clock that sits on a shelf...i don't recall if that gear clock hangs or sits. I could be wrong of course, but seems to me a clock is more visible on a wall, thus making it a bit more practicle.

[meydenhart]

Dale, I sell a lot of clocks but being in SA, and buying clock inserts locally, I cannot help you with the pricing question. What I have found is this:
I can double the price (or more) for the same project if I add a clock insert to it. It adds value to the project and if you are able to buy inserts in bulk at a cost saving, so much the better.
A stand-up lion cutting is just an ornament. The same piece with a clock insert becomes a functional object and from my experience that is what people prefer.

[Jediscroller]

I can't answer the question specifically about the same project with and without a clock. I sell a ton of mini-clocks (1 7/16 size insert) for $25 - $35 depending on the type. I typically stack cut 2 of them and try to stick to ones that I can do in an hour or less. I sold about 200 of these last year. They make great office gifts for people's desks (at least that's my sales pitch, hehehe). One odd thing (at least to me) is that the same clock in oak, mahogany and walnut will always sell the fastest in oak. Figured maple has sold well for me as well but it's a bear to cut on the scrollsaw. I've tried more exotic woods as well but people always seem to prefer the oak. I'll have to give Sue's idea a try this year as well with some of my cheaper portrait type cuttings (most of my portrait stuff sells in the $75 and up price range).
I live in CT in the USA so your results may vary.

[dale]

Well i live in the sticks of South Centeral Missouri....
I was wondering if a clock made a big difference but I take it it makes a difference.

thanks
dale

[Rolf]

Kevin where in CT, I live across the Sound on LI.

[Jediscroller]

Kevin where in CT, I live across the Sound on LI.

Hey Neighbor....I'm just north of New Haven in Seymour.

[Dragon]

I've looked at making clocks projects before but the mini inserts are $9 each plus tax. That is ridiculous. I would like to find a place that has better prices. Then I might consider making those. How much do you pay for inserts?
Diane

[meydenhart]

Diane, Wooden Teddy Bear has 1 7/16" mini inserts for $4.50 here

[lucky788scroller]

also try www.klockit.com

[Dragon]

Thank you for that information. Requested catalog and prices sound good.
Diane

[unixpro]

Around here in the Pacific Northwest, small clocks that feature native wildlife are popular and sell well in the $25-$25 range. I've got a place that will take all those I care to produce. They sell them to tourists who want to take home a bit of the flavor of the area. I use local hardwoods like cedar as well as popular woods like walnut.

On the other hand, one of the most personally rewarding experiences a scroller can have is building an intricate, complex clock that takes many hours and has hundreds or even thousands of inside cuts. I've done a handful of these as well, but never for sale since there's no way I could ever be paid anything reasonable for the amount of time I spend on them. The Grand Cathedral clock below took me about 4 months flow time to complete, and the La Patience clock took about 5 weeks.

I'm presently engaged in building a couple of cuckoo clocks. I'll decide when I'm done if I can offer these for sale, or if I've just finished a couple of early Christmas presents.

[PuzzledMoose]

Thank you for that information. Requested catalog and prices sound good.
Diane

Be warned -their catalogue is dangerous reading though, Diane. There's WAY too much stuff in there I want to buy!