New to this Forum, and need advise on finishing Clock

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:21 pm     Post subject: New to this Forum, and need advise on finishing Clock

I have a homemade solid oak clock which I'll post pictures and dimensions later that i need to dress up more, i want to know what you think i need to do to give it an impressive look, and also what type of movement and pendulum i need for it, hopefully you'll like this frame, thanks in advance! will post pictures,

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:29 pm     Post subject:

It is hard to comment without a link taking me to pictures of this clock assembly. Perhaps I would be able to make suggestions once photos were posted. As far as movement and pendulum are concerned, you have two possible options: 1.) Mechanical (key-wind) movement, or 2.) Quartz (battery-operated) movement. In some instances, especially with a pre-fabricated case assembly, a mechanical movement may not be an option (but only due to certain case restrictions/requirements for a mechanical movement). I am certain we would be able to accomodate most quartz pendulum movements within the case as they are far less restrictive. The other nice feature of a quartz pendulum movement is the fact that the pendulum is adjustable to most any length up to about 19" (at one inch segments). With a mechanical movement, the pendulum is usually a pre-determined length (which, again, creates some restrictions). It should be noted that both options can be examined in conjunction with some provided dimensions from your case assembly. Hope to see more soon.

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:51 am     Post subject:

ok i tried taking pictures today, but they turned out very bad, so for now i'll give you the dimensions of the case, from the inside,
it's 21" tall, 10" wide and about 5" deep, from the center of the stem to the
bottom i have about 15.5" which i could most likely move either way, up or down, i have room for about an 8" face plate, did i get everything?

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:05 pm     Post subject:

With these initial figures, it sounds as though you could go with either a mechanical or quartz movement. Once you have an idea of what type of movement you would like to use, we can go from there to determine if it would work with your case assembly (getting into the specifics).

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:13 pm     Post subject:

Well thats what i was wondering, if i could go with a mechanical or quartz,
one thing i don't like is the chime on the quartz is so not pleasant because it's very obviously coming from a speaker, and the downside of a mechanical is the wind up movements, i'm uploading pictures of the frame now, ignore the temporary faceplate and movements,

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:26 pm     Post subject:

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:27 pm     Post subject:

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:27 pm     Post subject:

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:29 pm     Post subject:

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:31 pm     Post subject:

Let me know what you think, if you think i need to change something as far was woodwork, i might consider doing it, also give me your opinion of what face plate might look best, and whatever else you feel would look great on it,

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:53 pm     Post subject:

This is a very nice case assembly! As a movement recommendation: If you were interested in a quartz movement, I would recommend #12001 (et al). For a quartz chiming movement, this one has very good sound (very realistic). In regard to modifications: I would recommend trimming the dial board to the clock face (making it circular - at least for the bottom and side portions which are visible around the clock face). Keep in mind that you may have to modify the means by which the dial board is secured within the case to do so. I like the clock face you have selected, but this is purley my opinion.

Possible mechanical options may be #13039, #13035, #13047 - although you should verify listed catalog dimensions with the case assembly to make certain the desired pendulum length and movement dimensions would work in your assembly (particularly the glass opening of the door - to assist with determining proper required pendulum length). Remember that we measure pendulum length (usually) from the center shaft down to the bottom of the pendulum bob. As a side note, mechanical options would require you to have the clock face punched (or drilled) for the required key-wind hole(s).

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:32 pm     Post subject:

Thanks,
so you would want me to try to somehow make the face appear to be suspended from mid air, i think that shouldn't be a problem, after a bit of thinking,
would you recommend me used this pendulum if i go with the 12001
http://www.klockit.com/products/dept-353__sku-aaaay.html

also does it work with the quartz you suggested?
amd how do you usually determine at what height the pendulum would be?

the dimensions from the center of the stem to the
bottom i have about 15.5" and the glass is approx an inch higher

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:48 pm     Post subject:

For the pendulum, you should not require anything longer than the 22" break-away pendulum rod (#1009786). The rod is etched (on the backside) at 1" increments, and can be broken away to the preferred size. The lyre attachment could possibly work, but would depend on two factors: 1.) the overal length of the lyre attachment, and 2.) the selected pendulum bob diameter. Both the pendulum rod and pendulum bob for the 12001 movement are purchased separately from the movement. For the pendulum bob, you have 3 different diameter selections (which would single out the lyre attachment that you would have to use if the lyre length would work within your case).

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:47 pm     Post subject:

Been thinking how to go about somehow mounting the dial board on the door, which would be a easier to maintain the movement,
however i can't think of a proper way of doing it, any ?

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:54 pm     Post subject:

I would use an arch dial, or a square dial. Cutting the dial board will not look right. The quartz mechanical bim bam movement is the best of both worlds, as people hate winding clocks.

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:44 pm     Post subject:

I would refrain from mounting the clock dial/board to the door assembly - as center shaft clearance may be an issue. You would definately have to have the movement at hand before doing so (just to take some verifying measurements). If the center shaft of the movement happens to touch the inside of the glass panel, this could effect time-keeping of the quartz movement (or even stop the movement).

You could switch to a square dial, but I am not certain how that would look in respect to your door assembly (which has a radius at the top). While the side and bottom portion of the square dial would be visible through the door, the top would not be (and this may look a bit funny). The arch dial suggestion may work out better. This, however, all comes down to personal preference...

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:18 pm     Post subject:

thanks both, amrad and Chris for your help, where would i find a nice and clear arch dial? also what are my options as far as a quartz mechanical Bim Bam movement? i didn't know that they exist

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:51 pm     Post subject:



Here is the movement

http://www.klockit.com/products/dept-158__sku-12160.html

I would look at the link below for dials, they are paper, but they are custom made. Your biggest issue will be finding a dial that will fit in your case/door. You might also want to look at ebay, as sometimes you will find NOS dials people are selling.

http://www.clockprints.com/

Typically when you build a clock, you buy all your parts first, and then design the dimensions of the case around it.