Fool rushing in

I have a number of years experience in engineering but have never made a clock, which is something that I have been wanting to do for a while. After much looking I think that the John Wilding Great Wheel Clock has taken my fancy. ( hence the title of this thread)

Does anyone know the approximate diameter of the large wheel?

Many Thanks, David

I was in a similar position a few years ago and decided to make the John Wilding eight day wall clock. I found that adjusting from engineering to clock-making wasn't as easy as I had anticipated. The main difference is the importance of minimising friction which is crucial as the power output of the clock is very small. This means adopting 'clock-maker's tolerances' as opposed to 'engineer's tolerances' and ensuring all contact surfaces have been polished and hardened.

Very satisfying once you get into it. I've now made a number of JW's clocks and can attest to the excellence of his designs.

Don't know the size of the great wheel in the great wheel clock. Its not one I have every fancied making as the crrossing out of all the wheels to the level of cosmetic perfection required is a bit of an ordeal !

Cheers lfoggy No final decision has been made but all help is much appreciated.

Hi David, I believe the great wheel is somewhere around 8 1/2" to 8 3/4" in diameter. I believe it has 290 teeth. Hope that's of some help, Stephen

Thank you Stephen, yes it does help.

If you come from model engineering to clocks, maybe if you can build Stirling Engines that run freely straight after assembly you are well on your way, I think some call it a rattling fit.

Ian S C

Hello Ian, I don't have a model engineering background more of an experience in engineering toolroom and maintenance. I'm thinking along the same lines though and have started to build a Stirling engine. We'll see how it goes (or not)

Hi David,

My guess is you’ve already done this …

but, when you finally get around to building the clock, or even before, try a few keywords in the Model Engineer Forum (title) Search; e.g. Wilding, clock, ...

Entering ‘clock’ reveals several pages of threads dating back to August ‘09.

More specifically, there’s a ‘Clocks’ section in the drop-down list to the right of the keywords block.

Another place to visit and where you’ll find some quality videos on building John Wilding’s Great Wheel Clock , is … **LINK**

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for Part 1 of Chris’s series “Making the Clock Frames’.

I hope you get as much out of this Forum as I have.

Sam

Edited By Sam Stones on 09/12/2018 20:53:19

Hello Sam,

Thank you for your reply. I haven't checked all the forum titles yet but I will, thank you. I have seen to Clickspring video and must admit to being a little intimidated! However, we will see.

Thanks, David

Hi David,

With your combined skills you’ll have no difficulty.

In fact, you’ve come on deck at just the right time. I couldn’t work out how to undo these, and since I’m not a member of the Magic Circle are you in a position to help?

Sam

Now that is clever FF.

I'd take my hat off to you if I had one!

Sam

Brilliant, Love it

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+1