Astro-skeleton clock project

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Mark Frank’s collection of videos

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Mechanically complete, I would be doing this project and those who designed and built it a disservice by trying to describe it.

Take a look …

**LINK**

[asimpleparsonParticipant @asimpleparson]

Stunning. Where on earth do they find the time? Does the person who actually designed this live amongst us?

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

ASP

You'll find the whole complex by way of excellent photographs and text in this link.

**LINK**

It provides an amazing and informative step by step coverage from about 2003.

Leave yourself plenty of time.

Sam

[MeunierParticipant @meunier]

asimpleparson –

Lives in Australia actually, not sure if that counts as living among us (sorry Hopper et al, couldn't resist)

Long story short, an American, Mark Franks in Chicago, looked around for someone to design/build for him a complex ! skeleton astronomical clock and lighted on an accomplished Oz maker of repute – Buchanan – to do the job.
This is the second implementation, the first was made in wood to prove the concept/layout. It's worth the time to watch (sorry) the progress from the beginning. 2003-2019, and now to be stripped down and bearings replaced and the whole finished/lacquered.
And now I think I'll go down to the workshop and munch up a 130x30x75mm alu bar – but I will be working to fine limits…….honestly.

**LINK** enjoy

and the complete project http://www.my-time-machines.net/my_current_project3.htm

Nothing short of phenomenal

DaveD

Edited By Meunier on 06/12/2019 20:18:34
I see Sam Stones beat me to it, another fascinated observer, obviously.

Edited By Meunier on 06/12/2019 20:22:58

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

History

Originally 'Buchanan of London'..then Buchanan of Chelmsford and now Buchanan of Melbourne(?) although the website claims a S.African origin….

[asimpleparsonParticipant @asimpleparson]

Good grief. Sometimes, we are so base, and then we can attain this level too. I'm lost for words. How can we plunge the depths in one minute, and then rise to such beauty the next? The passion and ability here is nothing short of jaw dropping. You see Apes using sticks, and then …this.

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

If only Buchanan were in Melbourne Bob, I'd be booking an appointment with them and taking an Uber ride up there pronto.

Chelmsford, NSW is just a road too far for this old bugger

Sam

[magpieParticipant @magpie]

Excuse me while I just go and bury my fibre optic clock and give up my workshop. Absolutely incredible.

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

If you are already feast your eyes on this project, then you need go no further.

Otherwise, take a look here **LINK**

I also make especial note of their switch from weight-driven to Constant Torque Motor Springs.

Their (what appears to be) innovative (EDM wire cut) spring attachments is yet another gob-smacking (brilliant) approach.

Sorry if I appear biased.

Would it be rude of me to mention their exclusive use of cycloidal gear-tooth profiles?

Sam

[Kiwi BlokeParticipant @kiwibloke62605]

Oh! good grief! How does one design such a thing, let alone make it so beautifully? Having followed the links, nothing will ever seem the same as it did. I think I should sell all my gear and grow vegetables…

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

It is beautifully made and incredibly complex. But am I alone in finding it ugly and disfunctional? By that I mean, for example, that it uses Harrison's dual-balance escapement in a situation where it has little benefit, not to mention endless complications that are of no practical use and after a short period will start to be ignored. In my view a clock should be severely functional – usually you just want to give it a quick look to check the time and anything that detracts from that is undesirable. In my view a better looking clock is this one:

Martin Burgess' Clock B. Severely functional, form follows function, beautifully made and incredibly accurate. And hardly any brass.

I'll go and fetch my tin helmet.

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

" Stunning. Where on earth do they find the time? "

Baaaaaaaad Pun.

Regards Ian.

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Here’s another peek into the progress of Mark Frank/Buchanan’s master timepiece.

**LINK**

[Marcus BowmanParticipant @marcusbowman28936]

This month's issue of the Horological Journal (from the British Horological Institute) contains a multi-page article by Mark Frank outlining some of the thinking behind the design. Stunning photographs, and lots of information about the various modules which form the 'complications' incorporated into the design.

Marcus

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

After fifteen years of amazing attention to detail and craftsmanship, here's Mark Frank's final installment of the building of his Astronomical Skeleton Clock.

**LINK**

Not forgetting the immense skills of builder ….. Buchanan of Chelmsford, NSW, Australia

"Truly remarkable!"

See for yourselves, there nothing else I can say.

Sam

[Alan CharlestonParticipant @alancharleston78882]

Hi,

The build was described on the HMEM website. The first post is here:

https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/astro-skeleton-clock.26642/

Regards,

Alan

[Author]

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