Doug Crane
Sand Timers

Doug Crane creates Sand Timers ranging in size from 6 to 14 inches tall with running times that start at 2 minutes and go to 1 hour. Each pewter spindle is hand cast and the bases are cut from the finest hard woods and burls.

The process of creating these unique gifts is quite involved.  Doug starts by carving wax models of each of the spindle styles and then making a mold from the wax in which to cast the pewter.  After the spindles are cast and antiqued, each timepiece, blown and filled with sand in England, is carefully measured and spindles are cut to its specific size. 

Meanwhile, select hardwood and hardwood burls are shaped and drilled. After sanding, the bases are soaked for an hour in a blend of a deep penetrating oil finish and polyurethane, then hand rubbed to a soft luster.  This finish allows the wood to look natural while making it waterproof and stain resistant.  The pieces are assembled with screws and wooden plugs then sanded smooth before finishing for a second time in the oil/poly mix.  These timers are produced in a “one man shop”;  Doug hand casts, trims, sands and finishes each and every  sand timer that he sells.

We are please to offer a wide variety of Doug Crane's production and one-of-a-kind burl sand timers. Enjoy browsing the collection.