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Bettesworth Construction
clockmaking

Gary’s Wooden Clocks: What’s Known About the Free Plans

A 2006 Make: post described Gary’s Wooden Clocks as offering plans and DXF files, but their present availability and requirements are unverified.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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Gary’s Wooden Clocks was historically described as offering free wooden-clock plans and DXF files, but the original site’s current availability could not be verified. A 2006 Make: post mentions a “world’s simplest clock” and a “CD-Paper Clip Clock”; it does not establish that either download is still accessible or specify its build requirements.

What were Gary’s Wooden Clocks plans?

A 2006 Make: post pointed readers to Gary’s Wooden Clocks and described it as a source of wooden-clock plans and DXF files. It named a “world’s simplest clock” and a “CD-Paper Clip Clock.” The original destination could not be accessed for this article, so those historical descriptions are not confirmation that the plans remain online.

The available information also does not establish the plans’ dimensions, materials, licensing terms, fabrication requirements, or whether the DXF files are suitable for a particular CNC machine or laser cutter. Check the original site and any accompanying terms before relying on a file or beginning a build.

How does a wooden gear clock work?

Wooden gear clocks commonly combine a power source, a train of gears, a pendulum, and an escapement. In a separate wooden-clock build guide, a descending weight turns interconnected gears. The escapement releases that energy in controlled increments, while the pendulum helps regulate the timing. A ratchet can be used to wind or reset the mechanism.

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This describes a general type of wooden clock, not the construction of Gary’s named designs. Without their drawings, it is not possible to say whether they use a weight, pendulum, escapement, or the same arrangement.

What is a separate source of wooden-clock plans?

Brian Law’s Woodenclocks is a separate designer and plan provider, not a continuation of Gary’s site. Its downloads page lists free PDF drawings and a sample DXF file, along with paid plan files. The page does not make those offerings evidence of what Gary’s plans contain.

Plan source What is documented What remains unverified
Gary’s Wooden Clocks A 2006 Make: post described wooden-clock plans and DXF files, including a “world’s simplest clock” and a “CD-Paper Clip Clock.” Whether downloads remain available; file contents, dimensions, materials, tool requirements, and terms.
Brian Law’s Woodenclocks The site lists free PDF drawings, a sample DXF, and paid plan files. Whether any specific file suits a particular machine or build; offerings may change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What tools might a wooden-clock build require?

Brian Law cautions that clock construction can be challenging, particularly without the necessary equipment. For its own clock projects, the site names a scroll saw, bandsaw, or CNC router among tools likely to be needed, and a lathe for round parts. These are not confirmed requirements for Gary’s plans.

Choose a fabrication method based on the drawings and your available equipment, rather than assuming a file will work with any cutting process. A PDF drawing may need to be printed and interpreted for hand cutting; a DXF may be useful for digital fabrication, but compatibility depends on the file and the machine workflow. A maker-forum discussion of clock files mentions adapting handcraft drawings for laser cutting, but it does not establish that Gary’s files are laser-ready.

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  • Scroll saw: A possible option for cutting detailed wooden parts by hand, if the drawings and your skills suit that approach.
  • Bandsaw: Another tool named by Brian Law for its projects; suitability depends on the part shapes and cutting requirements.
  • CNC router: A digital cutting option named by Brian Law. Confirm that the file geometry and machine setup are compatible before committing material.
  • Lathe: Brian Law notes it may be needed for round parts in its builds; that does not mean every wooden clock, or any Gary plan, requires one.

What should you check before using a plan?

  • Confirm that the file is actually available and comes with readable drawings.
  • Check the plan’s own materials, dimensions, tolerances, and tool requirements; none are established here for Gary’s designs.
  • For digital fabrication, confirm file compatibility and whether the drawing needs conversion or cleanup.
  • Read the plan provider’s terms. Brian Law states that its files are for personal use and may not be redistributed or used to build clocks for sale for personal gain. Those restrictions apply to Brian Law’s files, not automatically to Gary’s.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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