Shelf clocks of the pillar and scroll type were made by a
number of American clock makers in the early 1800s.Prior to
that long case grandfather clocks were quite commonly made
in the 1700s.The long case allowed for a greater drop
distance for the weights which drove the clock
movement.Shelf clock and wall clock with wooden works were
also made and were more popular in the 1800s.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s there was a shortage of
metals due to the British embargo.This led to the
production of wood gear clocks by some makers.Wooden works
clocks of this period are now prized antiques and command
high prices when they come on the market.Several thousand
dollars is commonly the asking price which is beyond the
means of many clock fanciers.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has on
display a very fine wood gear clock which was made in the
early 1800s.This clock is still in good running order after
200 years.Detailed drawings and plans have been made from
this clock and these are available for those who would like
to build a reproduction of this fine old time piece.
You can build your own version of this beautiful antique
clock in your wood . working shop.With careful work you can
turn out from,these wooden gear clock plans,a wonderful
clock which will keep excellent time.To build a wooden
works clock is not difficult but it does take time and
careful workmanship.
Wooden clocks of more primitive design were made hundreds
of years before this period.You can also build a fifteenth
century wooden gear clock from available plans.This is a
wall clock and is weight driven.It is a much simpler
project with fewer moving parts.The clock will however
keep time and looks great on your wall.
Building wooden works clocks is a wonderful hobby.It
involves craftsmanship and wood working skills.You do not
however need an array of power tools.The original makers of
these clocks used only simple hand tools and the modern
craftsman can do so also.The individual parts of the clock
are of simple design and quite easy to make. The skill
comes in finishing the parts accurately and fitting them
together properly so that the clock will run smoothly and
keep good time.
Today there are a few makers of wooden gear clocks which
are mostly sold in the form of kits and plans.The average
home workshopper can quite readily build a really beautiful
wooden clock from a plan.With attention to detail and
careful workmanship the end product is a fine time piece
which will be a center of attention in any home.The tick
tock of your own wooden gear clock which you yourself
created is sweet music to the ears.
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John Mowatt is a builder of wooden works clocks.Now retired
from his former business he pursues this as a hobby.He has
written on this subject and others.He shows you how to
build your own wooden clock.For more information and
details of plans go to http://www.woodenworksclock.com
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