by Colin Thorne, LBHI
Edited by Guy Lautard
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If you would like to leave your name on something of lasting value, make a clock.
Most clocks will run for several hundred years with minimal repair. A mechanical clock capable of keeping time within an accuracy of 1 or 2 seconds a week can be made in a basement workshop with little more than a lathe and a drill press. Such clocks have a charm and prestige that no $5 quartz clock can match, even though the latter may be slightly more accurate.
This book will take you through the construction of a typical clock,
describing, as they are encountered, those techniques of the clockmaker
that differ from, or are seldom used in, model engineering. Specialized
tools, virtually all of which can be made in your own workshop, are
also described as the need for them arises. This carefully written book
is packed with information and clear explanations of the "how" and the
"why" of a line of activity that promises endless variety, challenge
and fascination. The author is a full time professional clockmaker,
recognized by the British Horological Institute. My own input to the
book was primarily in terms of the way things were worded, and I have a
section of my own at the end, covering a few topics and ideas that I
thought worthwhile to add.
Please note that this book also contains a full set of plans for making a Benjamin Franklin Clock movement.
One customer ordered a copy of this book, and promptly came back
with an order for 7 more copies for the other members of his
clockmaking club. I had the pleasure of meeting these same fellows some
months later, when I was in St. Paul, MN, and they took me to lunch, so
I guess they all liked the book! ![]()
Another customer told us that he had found information in this book that he had never seen in any other clockmaking book.
<>Don't forget to see my page of plans for clockmakers' tools and for several clock movements. >(Among these plans is a set for the same Ben Franklin Clock movement shown in this book. Therefore, buying the plans for the Ben Franklin Clock movement (if it interests you), is unnecessary if you are buying this book.)US Customers: US$21.95 ppd. Add $3 for air mail shipping
Canadian Customers: C$31.50 (includes GST)
Customers outside US or Canada C$35 ppd. Add $6.00 for airmail.