Beginner - Wall Clock Help and Advice

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:16 am     Post subject: Beginner - Wall Clock Help and Advice

Hi,

I'd like to make a wall clock out of bicycle parts as a birthday gift for a friend, but I have no idea where to start. Please help!!

I got my inspiration from these:
- Bicycle Wheel Clock - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19518232
- Bike Chain Ring Clock - http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2009/05/05/recycled-bike-chain-ring-clock_FXqwo_22978.jpg

Bike wheels are around 20inches in diameter.
Bike Chain Rings are around 7-9inches.

I'd appreciate any advice on what type of clock mechanisms would be appropriate for the different types, and what other clock parts I would need. I am totally clueless about this stuff!

Thanks in advance!



Edit: For the bike wheel clock, the movement is attached to the cassette gears(much thinner than the wheel itself) to conceal the movement, and then attached to the wheel by hanging it off the hub. It can be attached and detached from the wheel to replace the batteries. A close-up of this can be viewed here: http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.52192747.jpg .

What is the best way to accomplish this?

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 1:08 pm     Post subject:

It looks as though the examples provided use a standard quartz movement. You can perform a search for #10004 on the Klockit website, which should bring up all standard quartz movement options. The important (or key) factor with movement selection is "maximum dial thickness". Basically, you will need a long enough threaded portion (on the center shaft) to insert through the wheel (or sprocket) so that you can secure the hex nut over the center shaft (which, in turn, will secure the movement to your wheel). Measure the thickness of the wheel (or sprocket). Select a maximum dial thickness that would be equal to or greater than the thickness of the wheel/sprocket. Hand selection could be anything up to 7" (for a minute hand length) - and hands will be free with purchase of a movement. A second hand is purely optional (and can be selected separately for about 40 cents). Our representatives can help walk you through this process once you know the total thickness of the wheel/sprocket. If you go the wheel route, you may also want to pick up a heavy duty hanger (#10032 - available separately). Also note that you will require a center hole that is 5/16" - 3/8" in diameter (so that the center shaft of the movement will fit through the center hole). Hope this helps...

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:37 pm     Post subject:

[deleted, see original post for edits]

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:22 am     Post subject:

the wheel gear clock would be much eaisier to make. For the Wheel you need to fashion a carrier to hold the movement (which is heavy with that gear) to the wheel.

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:51 am     Post subject:

I think I really would rather make the wheel clock as opposed to the gear one, since I have already bought the pieces needed.

Here is an up close view of the movement and gears attached to the wheel:

http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.52192747.jpg

What do you think would be the best way to accomplish this? Would I be able to do something similar using the heavy duty hanger?

Also, if I decide to go with the Q-80 Quartz Movement would there be anything else I would need outside of the hands? The center hole of the gears is much wider in diameter than 5/16". What would be the best way of filling up that extra space? Would it be wise to get a high-torque quartz movement instead?

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:37 pm     Post subject:

If you had a welder you could weld a steel washer to the gear to attach the mvmt to. Really have to be creative, as much depends on what the gears look like.

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 2:03 pm     Post subject:

Where the new clock is to be placed, one must always be careful to measure the area when thinking about the placement of an Wall Clock in your home. The space chosen is large enough to accommodate your new wall clock on that account one can then be confident.

Awaludin Setyadica
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www.clockdesk.com