Put a fork in it - it’s done !
Odds are good I’ll post more photos about the clock and I still owe a full write-up about the restoration but that might bore the majority of you so I’ll just post a few collages.
The restoration had a number of interesting twists …
I ended up buffing out the damascened that had been applied to the arms of the escapement. The original looked like an after-thought and rushed. Re-applying a circular one would not have fit with the “simplistic” design of this clock (this clock was never of the design quality of a Seth Thomas).
The pilot face and the manufacture’s name plate would have originally been cast brass. I designed the pilot face and nameplate on the computer and then we transferred the data to a CNC. The finish was done with a 30/1000ths tool to give it the minor radius that would have occurred from casting. Lastly, it was media blasted to “age it”. I created a custom font for the job to replicate an old / simple casting. You will notice the numbers do not have perfect symmetry. This was a challenge to get something that did not look too perfect while also not looking like a child’s drawing.
Throughout the project, I got the feel this clock was somewhat of a “trial” for the creators. As such, it was simplistic in many places. I tried to keep that feel - while at the same time trying to refine it a bit. One example was the counter-weight to the Harrison maintaining power. You’ll recall it only had a cut piece of steel. This was replaced with a machined “barrel” of brass - made in two parts that thread together. The barrel duplicates the needed weight but looks more appropriate.
Eventually I’ll add the motion works to a 24″ face above and to one side. I picked up a small motion works rather than consider the monstrous one that belongs to the clock.
Right now it is keeping exceptional time - easily within 5 seconds per week. It has about 40″ of fall and I get 32hrs of run. Winding once a day is all it needs.
I definitely want to do this again. I’ll take my time to find the right project but I enjoyed the process and the results so much it will be hard to be patient !
June 24th, 2007 at 19:34
Those are great collages Glen. The pilot face and the beautiful nameplate really finish the piece. What a great accomplishment. Thanks for taking your readers along for the ride!
June 24th, 2007 at 20:21
Great seeing it “in person.” Thanks!
June 24th, 2007 at 20:39
Thanks guys - I’m really glad I did this project. I’ve appreciated everyone following along and keeping me inspired.
The gentleman whom sold me the dropped me a note saying he is glad to see the clock restored and working again. I’m glad too
BTW: Roy - the collages are simple but your tabblo’s inspired me to try some graphics art tools - THANKS !
So, what should the next project me ?!
October 6th, 2007 at 08:34
Great job on your restoration! I’m so jealous, I almost bought this clock from Mark, but you beat me to the punch. I have several tower clocks and I have only had the time to truly restore one, so I know how time consuming this process can be.
Great Job, and I’m glad to see the clock ended up in a great home.
October 7th, 2007 at 08:59
Hi Daniel,
Now, I’m a bit jealous. I love the results of the restoration but I’d really like “one more clock”. I’m interested in something with a 1-second pendulum and half and hour strikes. If you know of anything or want to part with a clock in this category, just leave a “contact me note” and I’ll try to connect off-line !
October 18th, 2007 at 08:53
Hi Glen,
You can contact me at daniel_jeffries@ucbi.com and we can talk about the tower clocks. I actually ahve one that I may be willing to part with due to spacial issues.
Thanks
Daniel