Maximum dial thickness

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 11:27 pm     Post subject: Maximum dial thickness

I understand that the maximum dial thickness on your movements is 1-1/4". Since the clocks that I make are often thicker than 1-1/4", where can I get movements, especially pendulum movements, that have a longer threaded shaft. I would prefer not to have to drill out a portion of the back of the clock to make room for either the movement alone or the movement and pendulum.

Jerry

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:23 pm     Post subject:

Be careful not to confuse overall shaft length with maximum dial thickness. Through Klockit, the longest "maximum dial thickness" offered is 3/4" (which means that the mount board should not be thicker than 3/4"). For units that will be mounted to wood pieces thicker than 3/4", it will be necessary to recess the movement. Recessing for a pendulum movement can be done, however it may be a bit more time consuming than a standard quartz movement (which would require a 3" diameter counter-bore achieved with the appropriate size forstner bit and drill press).

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:24 pm     Post subject:

For pendulum movements, you will want to create a shop made routing template - usually masontite works best. Your cut out pattern would be able to properly inset the movement, with enough spacing all around the movement.

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:25 pm     Post subject:

Be sure to account for pendulum swing in your template. In some cases, depending on how deep you will need to recess the movement as well as the location of the pendulum hanger from the front of the movement, you may not even need to machine for the pendulum. Use the router and template to remove wood material at incremental depths, with mutliple passes, to inset the movement.