Type of Wood

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:53 pm     Post subject: Type of Wood

This may be a silly question but can anyone help with identifying the type of wood that a clock is made out of. In particular older English Grandfather clocks. Was there a particular type of wood that was mostly used?

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:18 pm     Post subject:

It is nearly impossible to predict what kind of wood was used without any sort of photo - and this can still be complicated even with a photo (due to stains/finishes used). If you can post a link with a photo - we can always take an educated guess...

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:22 pm     Post subject: Type of Wood

Thanks Chris,
My question wasn't very good. Let me ask this. What I'm curious about is if there was a preferred type of wood that clock makers used. Was it just whatever they could get their hands on or was there some type of wood that was preferred? Maybe I'm thinking about it too much.

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:52 am     Post subject:

You could look to see what woods were used in the UK for furniture in that time period. Could be Oak, Walnut, Mahoghany, maybe even Pine.

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:44 pm     Post subject:

Clockmakers seem to build clocks out of any old wood they can find - and some seem to build from a certain wood for a distinct purpose. I have seen clocks made out of recycled barn board, cypress wood blanks, Baltic birch plywood scrolled clocks, and large quarter sawn oak floor clock assembles. In some cases, the design will dictate the wood being used. In other cases, the wood may be painted - in which cheaper grade pine and composite materials may be used.

Some believe that certain species of wood will promote better sound quality for mechanical type movements (as well as music boxes). Some people try to build out of woods to match the décor of their house. Other people just want to make good use of the lumber left over from the 100 year old walnut tree they cut down from their property 20 years ago. Some people may want to use cherry, but find it to be very expensive (and decide to use a cheaper wood material and apply a stain coloration that will yield the look of cherry). Some people may prefer exotic woods, while others do not (as they tend to cause more wear on router bits and such). There are all sorts of reasons out there…

Just as in the past, people today use different types of woods for their own reasons. In my opinion, there is not really a right or wrong answer – there might not even be any sort of definitive answer. I really think it all boils down to personal preference, style, and aesthetics.