Grand Father Clock

[STAR]

One project I would like to make is a Grand Father Clock. At present my aims and ability are a fair bit apart. Fortunately, my work shop, is building up and what I do not have my wood group do, so equipment is not a problem only ideas and talent.

Where is a good place to start, What books or magazines should I look at, what clock styles are available, and where can you obtain the clock movements., etc.

This info will help me build up some knowledge so I know what I have in front of me, so I can ask the right questions.

Thanks.

[Sleeping Dog]

Star,

I have a set of plans for a grandfather clock I've had hanging around for years. You are welcome to come out and have a look and get them copied if you want.

Cheers,
Peter.

[Chipman]

Online suppliers (NSW)

http://www.jknowles.com.au

http://gpwoodturning.yahoostore.com.au/index.html


Most people use Hermle movements (I prefer the cable drive)
CMI below are the australian importers of Hermle movements and they are up your way.(They also sell HB clock plans)

Give them a ring ... at least they can put you in touch with a supplier if they don't do it.

This might be a good place to visit !
http://www.blackforesthill.com.au/shop/?page=shop/aboutus

Chipman

A movement is about $1500. Y ou obviously can spend a lot more if you get something a lot mor sophisticated. Some prefer Howard Miller KIENINGER


Clock Movement Importers Pty Ltd
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Unit 1 / 54 Westgate Street, Wacol, QLD 4076
p: (07) 3271 2555 f: (07) 3271 2455
http://www.cmi-hermle.com (http://www.cmi-hermle.com/)
Email Clock Movement Importers Pty Ltd (http://www.hotfrog.com.au/Companies/Clock-Movement-Importers/SendEmail.aspx?company=Clock-Movement-Importers)

[Swifty]

Star,

Good luck with your clock making! Chipman has given a good list of places to start, I would suggest downloading the catalogue from the CMI site and having a good look thorugh. There is a list of clock plans (called HB Clock Plans) near the back with pictures, which are normally available at Carbatec.

I am currently working on my first grandfather clock, but I made a much smaller railway clock initially - I'm glad I did, as I learnt a lot from making something small before jumping in to something much bigger and more expensive.

Cheers
Swifty

[Chipman]

Star,

If you are going to make a granfather clock, the best thing you can do is to go and have a look at some real ones. This is especially important if you havent made one before so you get a better sense of how to build your plan. (I found a mistake in the plan for my first clock). It might also help you work out how you would like to modify your clock to suit your own tastes.

Don't forget to have a really good search on the net and in the clock forums. Thiks next site alone will keep you busy for a few hours!
http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/browseall.php

If you don't want to spend up big on a mechanical movement, you can use a quartz chiming movement (again the hermle is a good choice and sounds very realistic) For the pendulum, you can use the heavy duty battery pendulum drive
http://www.jknowles.com.au/shop/home.php?cat=257

If you are going to build a clock, always make sure you buy the movement first!


If you are just getting started, you could strt off with a wall clock or a mantel clock.

This is one that I designed and built a couple of years ago (chiming mantel) All up it would work out under $200 and would help you develop your skills for the Grandfather clock when you decide to build it.

Sorry I can't help you with the plans as I only do simple outlines to make the templates I need. Partly this is because when I give one away as a gift I want it to be a true one off job.

http://www.woodworkforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=71174&d=1208086827

I guess you have realised I might be slightly obsessed about clocks!


Regards,

Chipman:):)

[ravlord13]

Star,
My advice is jump in feet first:o
A grandfather clock is basicaly a large box.
Here is a site I put up a while ago it is a good reference plan for you to look at and get some idea of how they are built.

http://www.users.on.net/~nogshz/Timber/ (http://www.users.on.net/~nogshz/Timber/)

Surf the net and find a clock that you like and work from there.
If you buy a kit you will pay a lot more than buying the parts seperately.
Work out how tall you want to build and I can supply you with a list of all the components you need.
You are better off using a Hermle or Keininger movement as they are the only major movement manufacturers left.
My advice is stay away from Chinese or Asian built Movements.
Go For IT:2tsup:

Catch ya
Andrew

[Rocker]

I built a grandfather clock using the design described in FWW #171-172.

Rocker

[STAR]

Thanks for all the information. It is just what I needed to see what is in front of me and what techniques I need to master.

I have a fair bit of research in front of me, and all the info you have given me has been downloaded and put into a special file. plenty of research and study to do yet though.

Thanks All.

[Sleeping Dog]

Any "movement" on the clock front Star?

SD

[meuls69]

i agree with ravlord13 just jump in. spend a bit of time looking at styles, pick your movment, dial, and pendulum. Once you have decided these it is easy to design a clock to suit your own tastes. just break it down into sections (base, middle, and top). this is how i did mine, these three sections can be seperated for transport, not that i plan on transporting it to often,:) but it is 7'6" and made of jarrah with a touch of ebony on the top. Very heavy. Designing it yourself with also lead to interesting methods of doing things that have been done a particular for ages:). eg i have timber threads on my ajustable feet, timber bolts holding the base to the middle section, and double doors in front of the dial. just remember to have fun with it:U

Peace out:2tsup:

[STAR]

Any "movement" on the clock front Star?

SD


Thanks guys. At the time I made the statement that i would like to make a grandfather's clock it was inexperience talking. Since then i have faced up to the reality that my ambition is a lot higher then my wood working ability.

I have not given up though and over the last few months have been learning to turn. Next year' resolution is to improve on all the parts involved and creep up on it slowly in case it wakes up to what i am up to.

This is my progress so far with all that in mind. baby steps now who knows tomorrow.

I have made a small desk clock for an Xmas present.
A Weather Station out of some Silky Oak slab.

Both projects involved me improving my finishing techniques.

Started to turn a few pens with Neil ( Dai Sensai ) guidance. Sam and Artme gave me a few pointers before Artme went on his Marco Polo.

Next step is to get up to scratch with my routing techniques. Fortunately I have a few mentors, thanks to this great forum.

It might not get started next year because they are not cheap to build but most of my endeavors next year will be towards this plan. Fortunately, I belong to a wood work club and have a few experienced helpers there also.

So, I guess i will be on the lookout for suitable wood species that if I see i can grab and put away until my skill level improves.

Thanks everyone.

ps. I also need to learn how to post pictures on here. I guess I might have to move in with Neil. He has been a great help.