Good Afternoon Everyone!
I’m new to this forum and would like everyone to know how much I appreciate the conversations that go on here, seemingly everyday.
For quite some time I have been pondering the buidling a grandfather’s clock as I have a very nice movement which was given to me many years ago. Having read and re-read the recent FW article 171) which depicted a very nice clock case I was wondering if any one has any advice as to how to go about “sizing” the waist in order for it to fit a specific movement (i.e. pendulum swing). The movement I have has a lyre pendulum and I am not sure how much of a swing I should allow within the waist. I also have found that the clock pictured in FW # 171 to be rather tall (90″). With the average ceiling height pretty close to this dimention has anyone reduced the overall height of this particular clock case? If so, where did the reductions occur (waist, hood or base?). I am also interested in a source of information about tall clock cases, measured drawings and such. I have visited several museums which are great for inspiration but find this source of information hard too finialize all of the “details”.
In advance, thanks you for all courtesies extended!
JPFWoodworking
Haverhill, MA
Replies
JPF,
If your movement came with any papers, they might tell you how much you need for the swing of the pendulum. Traditional tall clock movements don't have lyre pendulums, (usually a wooden or iron stick and brass bob) and require less room for swing, so a traditional case sized to accomodate your movement might have to be pretty thick-waisted. Barring any info, from papers, or by contacting the mfr, you will need to set up the movement temporarily on a purpose-made bracket hung on a wall, and measure how much room it requires. The movement itself, with its chimes, if any, will have its own space requirements that might mean you need to change the size of the hood, as well.
Shortening any clock will of course affect its proportions, as will widening the waist. It will be a good idea to look at some other lyre-pendulum clock cases for some inspiration.
Good luck,
Ray Pine
Thanks for the insight. I was actually hoping that the lyre pendulum created less of a swing as it is much heavier than an wooden pendulum. In any case, i think your advice about setting up the movement to be the way to go. It will certainly answer a lot of questions. Thanks again for the quick reply...
JPF
You may want to visit the Klockit website. There is some very good information on case dimensions for the movements they sell. Even though you may not have one of these movements, it will give you a good idea of all the dimensions you need to consider, width of the waist being one of them.
One of the interesting things about pendulums is the fact that the frequency is independent of the weight, it is solely dependant on the length. So if your movement is designed for a 114 cm pendulum, you can use various size bobs. A ten inch bob requires a wider case than a six inch bob. Depending upon the look you are trying to achieve you have some flexibility in designing your case by replacing the pendulum.
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