Archive for the ‘Clocks’ Category

Purchasing an Affordable Grandfather Clock – by Joann Rowedda

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

The purchase of a grandfather clock is a once in life time event. They will last for generations and sure to become a family heirloom. Confusion over grandfather clocks has only intensified with the advent of the internet. Today there are more more styles, sizes, and prices then ever before. They are such a beautiful work of art, and distinctive addition to a rooms decor, that every home should have one.

Many times people think to themselves, “I would love to have a grandfather clock, but they are so expensive.” In the past this has been true. Grandfather clocks can reach many thousands of dollars. Today very affordable grandfather clocks are available. They are not cheap grandfather clocks, but beautifully crafted discount clocks. The workmanship is extraordinary with precision clock movements that will give many years of dependable service. The clock cases are true works of art that are sure to please the most discriminating clock buyer. These beautiful quality clocks are made of real wood and come in many finishes. Styles consist of antique, traditional, and contemporary. Finishes are available in brown, black, cherry, and oak. Most stand between 6 and 7 feet tall.

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Mechanical Grandfather Clocks by Joann Rowedda

Sunday, April 27th, 2008

ESCAPEMENT is part of the clock that controls speed and regulality by converting continuous rotational energy into discrete motions. This is accomplished through the use of gears and a lever attached to a pendulum. the most common form in use in grandfather clocks today powered by keywound springs.

When the pendulum swings the lever locks in the tooth of the gear, this is the tick. The back swing of the pendulum the lever releases the gear, this is the tock. The process is repeated over an over untill the clock needs winding. Thus, the familiar tick tock of grandfather clocks. The speed and accuracy of the clock is achieved by adjusting the pendulum bob up or down. Adusting the bob up speeds the clock, adjusting the bob down slows the clock.

The earliest escapement can be traced back to a Buddhist monk Yi Xing in china around 725A.D. He was also a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, and mechanical engineer of the Tang Dynasty (618–907). His contribution was designing and operating a water-powered armillary sphere.

Many escapements have been designed and developed over the years. One that predates the pendulum around 1275A.D.is the Verge escapement, also known as the crown-wheel-and-verge escapement. This escapement design and function is similar to a teeter toter on a playground. The problem was this system had no natural frequency of oscillation, it is simply force pushing inertia around…

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