Remember when you were growing and used to watch old black and white movies? Every grand house used to have a beautiful grandfather clock in the reception area or on a landing at the top of the stairs. I think every Sherlock Holmes film I ever saw had at least a couple of grandfather clocks in it.
So whatever happened to the grandfather clock? Where did they all go and why don't we see them anymore?
The answer might be more obvious and simple than we'd imaging really. A grandfather clock was a real feat of engineering and design; everything had to be exact and although today we are more able than ever to work at the tolerances required to produce something as fine as a beautiful grandfather clock people are not prepared to pay the prices that the craftsmen who would build them can command.
We are now living in a consumer age where people can purchase a very good, funky, contemporary wall clock made by a designer for a much more affordable price than that of a grandfather clock. There is still hope though for those of you out there who are engineeringly minded and with a passion for a challenge.
If you are pretty handy with mechanics and can turn your hand to wood working why not buy a grandfather clock kit and make one for yourself? Grandfather clock kits are growing in popularity due to people wanting something a little different in their homes and wanting to set themselves a challenge. The work may be boring but the touch of accomplishment can last a lifetime.
Get to grips working with the pinwheel which should turn and either not be lifting the chime hammers, or be lifting the chime hammers but not hitting the chime rods. Sounds complicated doesn't it? All kits come with very detailed instructions and there are forums on the web where like-minded people can thrash out any problems that occur when working with your grandfather clock kit.
Just think of the day when you can stand back and admire the character craftsmanship, the dependable movements, excellent woodworking all blended to produce a beautiful grandfather clock for you or your loved one which will last a lifetime. Now that has got to be something that is worth a little bit of toil and trouble. If you choose to build your own clock from plans, many suppliers will give you the plans free as long as you purchase your movement software from them. I'd recommend this as these people are generally experts in their field and if you've purchased everything from one supplier you can nearly always count on their help in an emergency.
A little bit of knowledge can go a long, long way.
The sense of achievement and satisfaction that you will feel when you have finished your first grandfather clock will live with you for the rest of your life.
Building a grandfather clock from a kit really is a labour of love but at the end of it you will have an engineering masterpiece, made by you in your reception area at home and with measured preparation, the wood in your grandfather clock will shine under a professional look stain or clear stopping point that will amaze everyone who enters your home. So why not challenge yourself and get to grips with a grandfather clock kit. |
