Alterations to a tall grandfather clock's support system undergo evaluation
In the world of antique and vintage clock repairs, a reliable test stand is essential for ensuring precision and stability. One enthusiast, who has previously written about test stands and even purchased one from Merritts Clock Supplies, decided to build their own for a Scottish tall case clock they acquired last year.
The stand, constructed using premium 2 X 4's leftover from a previous job, boasts a 2 X 2 box frame with four legs. The rails, crafted from yellow oak, are designed to be sturdy yet flexible, requiring no nailing or screwing for assembly. To give it a classy look, the stand was painted with leftover Espresso paint.
The stand's primary function is to eliminate sympathetic vibration, a common issue when working on English bell strike movements in tall case clocks. To achieve this, the stand was securely anchored to a wall or similar rigid structure. Additionally, the stand was built with a firm, solid foundation, using vibration damping materials like rubber pads and sorbothane inserts between the stand and the floor or mounting surface.
The stand's design allows it to comfortably handle two tall case movements and potentially a third, making it versatile for various repairs. The author emphasises that minor adjustments after servicing can only be made if the movement is on a test stand.
While specific tutorials on anchoring a tall case clock test stand to eliminate sympathetic vibration may not be readily available, the principles derived from woodworking techniques for stable furniture and clock installation methods can provide a solid foundation for building a vibration-free test stand.
For those seeking more specific methods or materials tailored to a particular homemade stand design, it's essential to consider the materials and construction details of the stand to ensure optimal results. Happy building!
[1] Woodworking Techniques for Stable Furniture (Source) [2] Clock Installation Principles (Source)
- The author recommends combining woodworking techniques for stable furniture, as found in [1], with clock installation principles, as outlined in [2], when building a homemade clock repair stand to ensure stability and precision.
- The homemade clock repair stand, crafted from yellow oak and anchored to a wall or rigid structure, is designed to handle two vintage clocks and potentially a third, making it a valuable addition to the home-and-garden, lifestyle, and antique clock collections.
- Constructed using no screws or nails, the clock repair stand assembly is flexible and easy to maintain, allowing for adjustments to clock movements after servicing, which can only be effectively made when the movement is on a test stand.
