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Build Wooden Works clocksA Timeless Hobby
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Shelf clocks and wall clocks with all wooden works were made by some American makers in the early 1800s.Long case grandfather clocks were commonly made in the 1700s with wooden gear movements.The long case of the grandfather clock allowed greater drop distance for the weights which drove the movement.Shelf clocks of the pillar and scrill type were popular in the 1800s and were made by American makers.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s there was a shortage of metals due to the British embargo.This led to the production of wood gear clocks by some makers.Wooden works clocks of this period are now prized antiques and command high prices when they come on the market.Several thousand dollars is commonly the asking price which is beyond the means of many clock fanciers.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has on display a very fine wood gear clock which was made in the early 1800s.This clock is still in good running order after 200 years.Those who would like to build a reproduction of this wonderful old clock can do so from detailed drawings and plans which are available.
You can build your own version of this beautiful antique clock in your wood . working shop.With careful work you can turn out fromthese wooden gear clock plansa wonderful clock which will keep excellent time.To build a wooden works clock is not difficult but it does take time and careful workmanship.
Wooden clocks of more primitive design were made hundreds of years before this period.You can also build a fifteenth century wooden gear clock from available plans.This is a wall clock and is weight driven.This is a much simpler clock building project which has fewer moving parts.The clock will however keep time and looks great on your wall.
Building wooden works clocks is a wonderful hobby.Craftsmanship and wood working skills are involved.You do not however need an array of power tools.The original makers of these clocks used only simple hand tools and the modern craftsman can do so also.The individual parts of the clock are of simple design and quite easy to make. The skill comes in finishing the parts accurately and fitting them together properly so that the clock will run smoothly and keep good time.
Today there are a few makers of wooden gear clocks which are mostly sold in the form of kits and plans.The average home workshopper can quite readily build a really beautiful wooden clock from a plan.With attention to detail and careful workmanship the end product is a fine time piece which will be a center of attention in any home.Your own hand built wooden geared clock produces sweet music as it tick tocks time away on your mantel.
John Mowatt finds building wooden works clocks to be a great hobby for his retirement.He writes about this and shows you how to make your own wooden gear clock.For more information and details of plans available go to http://www.woodenworksclock.com
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