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In the early 1800s a number of American clock makers were producing shelf or mantel clocks in which the movement was made from wood. Gear wheels were shaped from hardwood such as cherry and carefully fitted to run smoothly. Some of these clocks have survived for 200 years or so and are today valuable antiques which sell for thousands of dollars when they come on the market. The average collector can't afford to buy them of course but there are modern reproductions available, mostly in the form of kits and plans.
Even earlier in the 1700s, tall case grandfather clocks with wooden works were being made by many clockmakers.The tall case left room for the weights which drive the clock to fall further so that the clock would run longer before needing to have the weights raised to the top again.
Building a wooden works clock is not really difficult but it takes time and careful workmanship to produce a fine working clock. The average home crafter with some wood working skills can do it with simple hand tools just as the early clock makers did. The result can be a fine family heirloom which will pass from generation to generation.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has on display a rare and beautiful wooden gear shelf clock which was made in the early 1800s. This fine clock is still in running order after 200 years. It has been carefully measured and detailed drawings made. These plans with complete building instructions are available for purchase. They show complete details of all the working parts and how they fit together. The case of the clock is also presented in detailed drawings showing every part as it is in the original antique clock.
Building wooden gear clocks is a great hobby for the craftsman, and anyone can be a craftsman; it only takes careful work.This is not the type of project which can be completed in a few evenings. Rather it is a project for the person who takes great pride in the quality of their work and will spend whatever time is necessary to do a perfect job.The individual parts of such a clock are of very simple design and quite easy to make. The skill comes in finishing each part accurately and making a clock which runs smoothly and thus keeps good time.
To summarise, building a wooden gear clock is perfectly within the ability of almost anyone. A copy of a fine antique clock when well made is hard to tell from an original at first sight. Close inspection by an expert will, of course, show the new wood and materials used to build it establishing its origin beyond doubt. But for the craftsman who made it and for all who see and admire it the clock is a thing of beauty which will tick tock proudly in the home for a lifetime and probably many years after that while keeping good time.
Want to know how you can build a wooden works clock?.It's easier than you think.For more info and resources go to http://www.woodenworksclock.com
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