For a while, I've had in my head to build a replica of a George Nelson's sunburst clock.  Designed in the late 40's, it definitely has that "atomic age" look about it, which appeals to me.  Here is an example of an original:

There are a number of variations with different color schemes and materials, but I thought I'd opt for one with a relatively understated combination (similar to the one above).  Maybe one day I'll take the full plunge and go for one of the multi-color spike versions. 

I enjoy projects with challenges, and this one has one fat, juicy challenge - how to make the spikes, which have a diamond-shaped cross section and how to shape the ends to fit against the cylindrical hub.

If the spikes had been square in cross section, making a tapering jig would have been more straightforward.  I spent a couple weeks on-and-off scheming ways to cut the diamond spikes that were repeatable and consistent (and safe).  That had to be worked out before going any further with the project.   In the next post, I'll share where I landed.