[Gingernut]

Designing your first clock can be pretty daunting, so let’s break it down a bit. The two things every mechanical clock needs are a driving force and some form of escapement. I use Weights for the driving force because they deliver a constant force, which is important as the more constant the force the more accurate the clock. There are lots of escapements you could use, and all have advantages and disadvantages, take a look here
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/horology/escapement.html
The deadlock escapement is a good one to start with. To keep your escapement “ticking” at a regular rate you need to attach it to a pendulum. The clocks I build I use a 2 second one, which means it needs 2 seconds to move from left to right and back again. Then it is just a question of gearing down from the escapement wheel, so if it turns at 1rpm it obviously needs to turn 60 times to turn the minute hand once, e.g. 60-1 then you need to slow down the minute hand 12 times to run the hour hand e.g. 12-1. But like all things the theory sounds easy. The best tip I can give you is to study other peoples clocks, see here
http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/
There is nothing like building your own clock to find out about what makes it tick, and to explain everything you need to know to build a clock would fill up sides, as to books I am sorry but I do not know of anything definitive and especially in respect of wooden clocks. Maybe you could be more specific.

[Gingernut]

I have been asked which DXF exporter I use for Sketchup. You can download it here
http://www.guitar-list.com/download-...les-dxf-or-stl
You just have to select what you want to export, choose your units, and if you export to a cnc path generator go for lines in export options, I have only tested this in cut2D and it works a treat. If you change the suggested save name add the .dxf suffix otherwise it will be saved as an unknown file.The plugin works better than the Sketchup Pro inbuilt one, which it´s DXF export would be the only thing that would cause me to fork out € 354. I am a great exponent of Sketchup and there is not much I can not do in Sketchup that a CAD prog for 100´s(1000´s) can.

[electric2u]

Gingernut, do you have some wooden clock that you can share that are in a BXF file or cad that are good for a first timer.
thank you
kevin

[Gingernut]

Dear Electric2u, the simple answer is no. Although all my clocks are CNCed they are just cogs and frames without any further information e.g. no arbor length, bearing size and so on. I will however be offering plans for clocks in the near future, in DXF and PDF for immediate download, with of course all sizes and instructions you need to put the clock together, when they are available I will post it here.

[MrWild]

Free clock plans with all dimensions. You will have to draw up your own dfx files though. If you don't wish to draw your own dfx files from these well detailed online plans, the guy offers dfx files for sale of all five different clocks he has presented. Last night i was able to draw up a gear and have Gcode output in under a half hour using his dimensions.

http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/downloads.htm

[louieatienza]

Free clock plans with all dimensions. You will have to draw up your own dfx files though. If you don't wish to draw your own dfx files from these well detailed online plans, the guy offers dfx files for sale of all five different clocks he has presented. Last night i was able to draw up a gear and have Gcode output in under a half hour using his dimensions.

http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/downloads.htm

I just found this thread as I am building one of the Law clocks as well... Gary's clock is beautiful and teh all-metal build is off the chart!

To save time, instead of redrawing everything, open the file up in a vector drawing program. Once you clean the stuff up there (you can select and delete all text for example) you can then resave as an .ai or .eps file and then import it from your CAD or CAM program...

[BJenkins]

Thanks Gingernut. I've missed some of your messages until now. I look forward to seeing what plans you offer. I really like your clocks!
BillJ

[electric2u]

has someone build one of the clocks on that site yet? and how did it turn out

http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/downloads.htm

[lancut]

Yes I did build #1 clock from this website

http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/downloads.htm

and it turn out great. I paid a $10.00 for Inch DXF drawings, and pdf assembly instructions.It is well worth it. I did not want a huge weight hanging from it, so I increased diameter of the string wind up drum. It runs about 8 hours and is accurate within 1 minute. That is just fine with me, I'm retired and don't use the clock anymore!!!:cheers:

[BJenkins]

Thanks Bronek. That is a very nice looking clock. If you remember, how much weight do you use and how much weight did the orginal design need? Oh, and how long did the orginal design run?

I didn't know that these plans came in DXF!

[lancut]

Yes, you can buy them in dxf format right from the website, just go to the download section. I believe the weight should be around 6lbs to start with. The weight on my clock ways only 2.5 lbs so you can tell is considerably lighter. As far as original string length and time will run, I have no idea. Here is the address of the pdf file http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/Clock1.pdf

Will try attach a very short video if I can...

[BJenkins]

Unfortunately the video didn't work on my computer. Windows Media Player opened but there was only a black screen. I appreciate your effort. You must have a smooooth running clock to run on only 2.5 pounds along with the accuracy you mentioned.
BILLJ

[lancut]

Sorry about the video. I did convert to format that this website is recognizing and in process it lost quality and a sound. Normally You are able to hear 5 distinct >thick thock< sounds. I tool extreme care to machine all parts very precise. The only metal in all of the clock are the .25" shafts, the 3/16" bronze pendulum rod and the weight filler material led. In order for the clock to run effortlessly I used graphite powder as lubricant, One should be careful, this stuff is really messy

[Gingernut]

I have at last got my wooden clock plans/kits website up and running, at the moment I have only the one clock but more will follow shortly, I also offer a DXF CD for all those CNC addicts. I have designed it to be easily built and it has comprehensive assembly instructions.
http://www.woodentimes.com/

[Mr.Chips]

Thanks,
I just subscribed to your forum, looking forward to an active forum.

[ghassall]

Hi Gingernut

Nice looking clock. Could you give us an idea of the size? Largest gear diameter?
What is the winding mechanism?
I only have a smallish CNC and am thing of buying your plans. I know i can scale the DXFs if it will not suit.

Thanks.

[Gingernut]

ghassal

The largest part of the Secundus is the pendulum which is 55 cm (21 3/4") long, the largest cog is 18.8 cm (7.4").The largest part of the Primus is the frame which is 56.2cm (22 1/8"), the largest cog is 22.2 cm (8 3/4"). You could in theory scale down the clock, but it would mean a lot of work, all arbor holes would have to be redrawn, the weights for the pendulum would need to be recalculated so on and so forth. But I think the smallest of machines should at least cut the cogs. The pendulum for instance is easily cut out per hand.

Yours Dave

[Gingernut]

Hello All

I have got my second clock the Secundus, ready for ordering plans, parts and DXFs. If you are interested please take a look.
http://www.woodentimes.com/

Yours Dave

[ghassall]

Hi Dave

Thanks for the info on the gear size. My machine is bigger enough to cut that size.

Gareth

[MrWild]

Hello All

I have got my second clock the Secundus, ready for ordering plans, parts and DXFs. If you are interested please take a look.
http://www.woodentimes.com/

Yours Dave

Excellent! Word of caution. You've miss worded your Tombo warning. "I can and will not take any responsibility for damages caused because of miss use." Should probably read, "I can not... "