Grandfather Clocks?

[Wes Newman]

I would like to build a grandfather clock for my grandfather for christmas. He has many clocks in his house but has yet to aquire a grandfather. I am searching for any information pertaining to plans and movements. I searched many of pages and it seems you have to buy the movement face and pendulum seperate. Does any body have a good source for a kit that contains all of these in one at a semi reasonable price? I'd love to also see pics of your completed grandfather clocks.

TIA

[Larry Reimer]

Wes, I wish you well with your project. I am also very interested in clocks and clockmaking (my wife repairs mechanical clock movements). I have never built a grandfather clock (maybe someday) I think my next one will be a jeweler's regulator, that's a wall clock. Anyway, some things I've stumbled across along the way:

A "true" grandfather clock will have a three train movement and will strike on chime tubes not rods. It will be weight driven. The case will be relatively tall to allow room for the weights to descend without interference to power the clock for eight days. Kienenger enjoys a good reputation and will sell you a new movement through several vendors. Get ready for sticker shock because that movement may very well cost over $2,000. Clocks are generally built around the movement.

Try going to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors website. NAWCC has chapters all over the country and if you can find one in your area you may well find a local chapter with members willing to help.

You can also take a look at Klockit to give you an idea. Very good company to deal with. In my opinion they seem to cater to the beginner but they sell good products.

[Lee DeRaud]

I would like to build a grandfather clock for my grandfather for christmas. He has many clocks in his house but has yet to aquire a grandfather. I am searching for any information pertaining to plans and movements. I searched many of pages and it seems you have to buy the movement face and pendulum seperate. Does any body have a good source for a kit that contains all of these in one at a semi reasonable price? I'd love to also see pics of your completed grandfather clocks.

Go to www.rockler.com and search on "grandfather". I don't know your criteria for "semi-reasonable price": the movement is $450, but that's about what I'd expect for an authentic movement for a clock that size. The plan is the usual $15, face and hands in the same ballpark (a search on "clock" will cough up a bunch of that stuff).

There's also http://www.clockplans.com/index.htm.

If you're thinking of something unconventional with respect to the face and hands, come up with a design and get somebody in the laser forum to cut and/or engrave them for you.

And if you want to go completely over the top, look at: http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/
but I think you'd better plan on giving it for Christmas next year.

[scott spencer]

Hi Wes, I have yet to embark on a grandfather clock, but it's been in my list for a while now...just waiting for my skills to be up to the task! I did just finish a wall clock...the big name website is Klockit.com, but I found clockparts.com offered some very competitive prices and selection. I was very pleased with their quality, value and service.

http://www.klockit.com/
http://clockparts.com/

Good luck!

[Wes Bischel]

Wes,

Years ago we received a whole clock kit for a wedding present. It is a grandmother clock and came out OK, but now I would rather have made one on my own. It came from Emperor though I don't see the model anymore:

http://emperorclock.com/catalog/index.php

Other sources I have found, but not purchased from:

http://www.randmimports.com/
http://murrayclock.com/plans.html
http://www.empireclock.com/
http://www.norkro.com/

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

The other Wes

[Corey Hallagan]

I have ordered many movements and clock dials, bezels etc. from Klockkit. Never used one of the really nice large mechanical movements however.

Corey

[Ken Salisbury]

Wes,

In a previous life I built a dozen or more. You have already been provided all the sources I am aware of for plans/movements/dials.

The choices are many and the price ranges are very wide.

I do have some plans you are welcome to. Remind me the next time you are over and I will dig them out.

I made 5 of this model:

[Bernie Weishapl]

Wes, I repair clocks as well as build them. I have built 3 grandfathers from scratch. Just took ideas from other grandfathers that I have worked on over the years and incorporated them into the ones I build. Klockkit is probably your best bet for plans. There prices are a little better than most. I buy my movements, dials, chime rods, etc. from clock supply houses. Being a clock repairman for 21 yrs. it is easy for me to find what I need and just supply the case. Klockkit has plans and these plans will tell you what movements, dials, etc. you need for each plan which makes it easier for the person who doesn't know clocks. Hope this helps.


Bernie

[Wes Newman]

Guys, Thanks so much for the information. I hoping some of my family can pitch in for the expense of the movements, and I'll cover the wood and construction.

Ken - I'll take you up on the plan offer. I'm headed to Destin this week, then to Portland the week after. I should be home after that for a while.

Any body got any suggestions for places for a woodworker to stop at in Destin?

Thanks again guys!!!
This is what makes this forum so great!!!