Fool rushing in

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

I have a number of years experience in engineering but have never made a clock, which is something that I have been wanting to do for a while. After much looking I think that the John Wilding Great Wheel Clock has taken my fancy. ( hence the title of this thread)

Does anyone know the approximate diameter of the large wheel?

Many Thanks, David

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

I was in a similar position a few years ago and decided to make the John Wilding eight day wall clock. I found that adjusting from engineering to clock-making wasn't as easy as I had anticipated. The main difference is the importance of minimising friction which is crucial as the power output of the clock is very small. This means adopting 'clock-maker's tolerances' as opposed to 'engineer's tolerances' and ensuring all contact surfaces have been polished and hardened.

Very satisfying once you get into it. I've now made a number of JW's clocks and can attest to the excellence of his designs.

Don't know the size of the great wheel in the great wheel clock. Its not one I have every fancied making as the crrossing out of all the wheels to the level of cosmetic perfection required is a bit of an ordeal !

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Cheers lfoggy No final decision has been made but all help is much appreciated.

[stephen.Participant @stephen]

Hi David, I believe the great wheel is somewhere around 8 1/2" to 8 3/4" in diameter. I believe it has 290 teeth. Hope that's of some help, Stephen

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Thank you Stephen, yes it does help.

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

If you come from model engineering to clocks, maybe if you can build Stirling Engines that run freely straight after assembly you are well on your way, I think some call it a rattling fit.

Ian S C

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Hello Ian, I don't have a model engineering background more of an experience in engineering toolroom and maintenance. I'm thinking along the same lines though and have started to build a Stirling engine. We'll see how it goes (or not)

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Hi David,

My guess is you’ve already done this …

but, when you finally get around to building the clock, or even before, try a few keywords in the Model Engineer Forum (title) Search; e.g. Wilding, clock, ...

Entering ‘clock’ reveals several pages of threads dating back to August ‘09.

More specifically, there’s a ‘Clocks’ section in the drop-down list to the right of the keywords block.

Another place to visit and where you’ll find some quality videos on building John Wilding’s Great Wheel Clock , is … **LINK**

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for Part 1 of Chris’s series “Making the Clock Frames’.

I hope you get as much out of this Forum as I have.

Sam

Edited By Sam Stones on 09/12/2018 20:53:19

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Hello Sam,

Thank you for your reply. I haven't checked all the forum titles yet but I will, thank you. I have seen to Clickspring video and must admit to being a little intimidated! However, we will see.

Thanks, David

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Hi David,

With your combined skills you’ll have no difficulty.

In fact, you’ve come on deck at just the right time. I couldn’t work out how to undo these, and since I’m not a member of the Magic Circle are you in a position to help?

Sam

[Fowlers FuryParticipant @fowlersfury]

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Now that is clever FF.

I'd take my hat off to you if I had one!

Sam

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Brilliant, Love it

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Sam Stones on 10/12/2018 01:34:21:

Now that is clever FF.

.

+1

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