Longcase movement

[Stephen MackieParticipant @stephenmackie10043]

I had the pleasure a little while ago, of examining an eight day longcase movement (circa 1700-1710), It was very much an original movement, apart from the usual bushing and other minor repairs. It suddenly struck me how marvellous the wheelwork was, well formed and beautifully spaced teeth, along with perfect crossing out. Incredible considering the lack of electricity, H.S.S., pads of any kind, commercial cutters, digital read-outs, and the machinery must have been, by today's standards, very primitive. If anyone on the forum has any knowledge of what a clock and watchmakers equipment and workshop was like in the 1700's, I would be extremely interested, as I am sure other forum members would be also.

[Stephen MackieParticipant @stephenmackie10043]

[John Allan Watson BrownParticipant @johnallanwatsonbrown]

I purchased wheel and pinion cutting in horology, J M Wild FBHI. ISBN 978-1-86126-245-5. That shows a wheel cutting engine from 1670. I recommend the book for the insight into cutting your own wheels and pinion. I am building Mr Parslow's 15 day skeleton clock at the moment. As an absolute beginner, engines or a exact method to cut the teeth are the major issue. With brass the price it is getting it wrong on £5 worth of blank brass gets me all wound up.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Stephen,

You would probably enjoy a visit to Upton Hall http://www.bhi.co.uk/museum.html

It's near Newark, and Headquarters of the British Horological Institute.

MichaelG.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Back then the price of brass was probably much higher than now. Wheel cutting engines and lathe development was well under way but what about 'simple' tools? Crossing out might have been the bigger challenge to first handmake spear drill, piercing saw blades and needle files.

I imagine the apprentice wouldn't get near the brass, or even the iron, and practiced on wood which possibly was cheaper then than now.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

"Back then" they did not have the luxury of stock brass sheet.

Brass was cast; then hammered and filed to thickness.

… humbling isn't it.

MichaelG.

[johnp10Participant @johnp10]

Hello Mr Watson Brown,

I note that you are building my skeleton clock design.

May I draw your attention to Mr Russel Eberhardt`s comments on the various errors that have crept into the original article In M.E.

You will find this in the `View all topics`-`Clocks` section under the heading `15 day Skeleton Clock`

If you have any problems building this clock, you are welcome to contact me on johnp15@virginmedia.com

Please note that , due to a technical glitch, my previous email address has changed from johnp10@virginmedia.com

Best of luck with your project.

John Parslow.

[Author]

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