Turpentine for clocks

**clean.machine** · 18th March 2012, 01:06 PM

I have made three clocks, photos are attached of two. One is spread over the workshop and is un-photogenic just now.
The first photo isnt really a clock as the hour hand takes 40 minutes to rotate.
The escapement is based on Galileo's design. It works (moves) and is made of wood.
The next is built from Brian Laws plan clock No 10.
It does work and keeps very good time, it is susceptible to stopping if it isnt hanging vertically. Have to check every time after winding. This clock is not far from going on the wall.

This week I bought some turpentine deck boards and have been experimenting with it.
It loves the router, comes off clean and crisp, takes a nice polish and seems to be very strong across the grain. I dont think at this stage anyway that there is a need to laminate as the teeth seem strong enough without it, even the cross grain teeth.

Now the question, has anyone used this wood for clock wheels? Am I likely to find an unpleasant surprise from using it. I would hate to make another clock only to discover down the track that there is a property I should have taken into consideration.

**starr** · 27th March 2012, 01:05 PM

Very nice.

You say the gears are made of wood. Did you just use a piece of solid wood or did you glue up pieces so that none of the gears are on weak grain? (I have just made my first clock from a Clayton Boyer plan but used ply for the gears since I was afraid that the gears might break.)

**clean.machine** · 3rd April 2012, 08:15 AM

I made an escape wheel and pawl for an earlier clock attempt. So far I am happy with the turpentine. The design was my first attempt at designing and making a clock.

**clean.machine** · 3rd April 2012, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by starr

Very nice.

You say the gears are made of wood. Did you just use a piece of solid wood or did you glue up pieces so that none of the gears are on weak grain? (I have just made my first clock from a Clayton Boyer plan but used ply for the gears since I was afraid that the gears might break.)

This escape wheel was made in 3 segments with the grain radiating outwards. so far seems to hold up to the stress. Fingers crossed. I have cut many gears from plywood but I think I made a poor choice of plywood and I wasnt happy with them

**1964deano** · 5th April 2012, 10:47 PM

I have assisted a student of mine to make a clock using aircraft ply....happy with the look but not with the chipping and particularly with the strength.Ps great job with the clock!

cheers dean.

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