How would you like to build your own full size 7 ft tall, fully functional grandfather clock? Well unless you have years of experience in fine woodworking, this is probably something you are not going to attempt. Well, it may not be as hard as you think is you choose the right building materials.
When my son was 7 years old we bought him a small set of a plastic building toy called K’NEX. It is kind of like the modern-day answer to the old Erector Set. Over the years, we collected more and more sets and his building projects expanded to be more and more complex finally culminating in a huge 5 ft tall working Ferris Wheel. He is now in college studying to be an engineer. These massive building projects were constructed using a whole bunch of small plastic rods and connectors that snap together so easily that a child can do it.
The 7 Ft Grandfather Clock Kit uses over 9,000 of these brightly colored plastic pieces snapped together to form a complex but surprisingly easy to build structure that is solid and sturdy enough to bear the weight if the clocks movement, small motor that runs the pendulum, and the speaker that proudly chimes the familiar strains of the Westminster Quarters.
Now this is not a project for the faint of heart, it is estimated to take over 24 hours of dedicated effort to complete but the actual construction is far from strenuous. It is simply a matter of snapping the correct rod into the proper connector, then repeat, hundreds of times. An illustrated instruction book helps you out with clear, easy to follow instructions. The kit contains everything you need to build the grandfather clock. The package recommends 16 and over but there is no reason a younger child can’t aid in the actual snap together work.
The cool and colorful finished product stands just over 7 ft tall with a notched, traditional-style top, an open front that allows you to see the three-foot swinging pendulum and a broad, sturdy base. The clock face has a traditional style with filigree decorations and tall, narrow roman numerals. The movement has narrow hands to mark the hour and minute and a delicate sweeping second hand. The clock and chime runs on three AA batteries but if you want the pendulum to move you need to plug it into the wall.
So if you are looking for a fun family project with a cool and functional finished product, The 7 Foot Grandfather Clock Kit is perfect. I have seen these kits going for as much as $1000 but the folks at Hammacher Schlemmer are offering cool modern answer to a grandfather clock for only $599.95.