Cedar Clocks - Kinetic Sculptural Clocks

I was in a hurry to publish yesterday’s post and did not include photos of how I ensure the clock is hung vertically and the lower clock supports so I will start today’s post with them.

I use a simple plumb bob hung from the Torsional Spring Support to determine if the clock is vertical

Plumb Bob hanging from the Torsional Spring Support at the top of the Frame

The two lower brass frame supports have pins on the end that I use to make marks on the wall that I will use to drill holes to insert them

To make progress I had no choice but to cut the remaining 20 pinion rods and polish all 67 of them. This is my least favorite tasks.

Polishing the pinion rods in the drill press using a file and 1500 grit wet and dry paper

On previous clocks the pinion rods were a push fit in their holes. On this clock the brass rod diameter is very slightly smaller than the nominal 0.125” and I suspect the holes are minutely large so that the pinion rods are a sliding fit. Ultimately, this will not be a problem as I will glue them in place, but I want to run the clock to check it runs well before I remove the pinion rods to finish the clock. I decided to dip one end of each rod in the Watco lacquer that I will use to finish the clock before inserting them in to place. This should be good enough to hold the pinion rod for initial testing.

Newly polished pinion rod held in place by Watco lacquer for initial testing

With any luck, tomorrow I will assemble the clock and see if all the wheels turn freely. If they do, I will make the final few parts required to “set the clock to beat” and see if it will run.