He was a notable inventor

Some of the technologies that Jefferson invented are still in use today. The Great Clock, which was made by Thomas Jefferson and presently adorns Monticello's entry hall, was one of his creations. Gravity operated a clock constructed of cannonballs that hung on each side of the entryway. The time was determined by observing the locations of the cannonballs' impacts with marks on the wall. A huge copper gong on the roof was attached to the Great Clock. A collapsible ladder that Jefferson created for clock maintenance was eventually used for tree trimming and fetching books from libraries. He also built a lap desk to hold all of the equipment and personal items he would require when working away from the workplace.

Jefferson is credited with creating new types of iron plows made specifically for hillside plowing, a macaroni machine, and a rotating chair with a leg rest and writing arm. He also created automated doors for his parlor as well as beds for his house that were placed into alcoves on rope webs suspended from hooks. A rotating book stand with adjustable book rests and motorized dumb waiters that let him bring wine up to the dining room from the basement were among the other things he designed for use in his house.