Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our handcrafted hourglasses, shipping, and ordering.
How long will it take to get my hourglass order?
Each hourglass is custom made as ordered. The average amount of production time for preparing a new order, before it will be ready to ship, is approximately 3 to 4 weeks. This production time is necessary as we do not stock finished product. In the event that you require earlier delivery, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
How are orders shipped?
Orders are shipped using UPS Ground or USPS Ground services. Express delivery may be available for an additional cost. You should allow from 1 to 5 working days after your hourglass order ships for delivery. Although most orders will be delivered Monday through Friday, both UPS and USPS may deliver on Saturday or Sunday as well. If you need your hourglass delivered earlier, please let us know when you place your order. We will do everything possible to accommodate your needs. If it is necessary to upgrade to Express Services additional charges will apply.
Can you ship my hourglass order to destinations outside the Continental USA?
Yes. Insured shipping for your hourglass order is available to locations outside the Continental United States using Global Express Mail Service from the USPS. During the check out process after selecting your hourglasses choose the Export Shipments via USPS Global Express Mail (EMS). Charges for packing, shipping and insurance for your hourglass order will be verified by email for your approval prior to shipping. FREE SHIPPING is not available for orders shipped outside the Continental USA.
Will unmounted glass stand upright by itself?
NO - The unmounted glass will not stand unless it is mounted in a case to minimize the possibility of breakage.
Is Empty Unmounted Glass returnable?
No - There is no way to clean the inside of the glass once sand or another material has been put in the glass.
How does an hourglass work?
The hourglass works by having sand or another material in one bulb passing through the neck opening into another which is below. Time is regulated in combination of the size of the opening and the size of the material.
My friends are going to stay on the beach for their honeymoon. If I provide sand from their honeymoon beach can it be added to the glass?
Yes. Here are a few tips that may help. Put the dry sand in a dry water bottle. This should be enough to fill the glass for our most popular size which is the 9" high hourglass. Leave out all but the smallest shell pieces and stones. It is not possible to calibrate a specific running time when customer supplied sand is used.
Can you make it run exactly one hour using my sand?
No. Sand comes in so many sizes and types that this is not a possibility. We will do our best to ensure that the sand will flow freely from one end to the other.
Can you ship my hourglass order the same day that you receive it?
NO - All hourglass cases are handcrafted in our shop located in Wisconsin. Tom makes them one at a time. In most cases we ask that you allow a minimum 3 to 4 weeks after an order is received before it will be ready to ship.
What color selections of natural hardwoods are available?
1-Walnut, 2-Cherry, 3-Maple, 4-Padauk/Cherry, 7-Koa/Maple, 8-Walnut/Maple and 9-Maple/Walnut. (Color of all natural hardwoods will vary.)
Which woods can be laser engraved?
Our entire selection, with the exception of Cedar, can be laser engraved. Cedar will not work because it is a softwood. All of the others are hardwood. The selection includes Walnut, Cherry, Maple and Padauk.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
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