A Margraf clock

[Brian]

The time has come to think of the next clock, and i am getting the hankering to make another rolling ball clock, having built two Congreve's I want something different.
In1595 Christolf Margraf clock maker to Rodolfo 3rd in Vienna, made a clock that had a fixed inclined plane with a zig zag track and a lifting mechanism to return the ball to the top.
So using this basic idea I have started a new design, it's in the scribbling stage just now. so watch this space.

If you don't know the Congreve Look on My Site ( see bottom of the page ) for the slide show.

Brian

[TomG]

Brian,

I had a hair brained idea for a clock the other day, something powered by a fuel such as propane. A small enough impulse could be used to push a pendulum, or a larger one to wind a mainspring. Seems like it would be a fun hybrid project.

Tom

[Brian]

A long time ago I spent many hrs while driving planing a similar clock . tho this one was more of a sculpture standing about 10 ft high against a wall.
The driving force was a spring constantly being rewound at about 10 min intervals by a weight/ piston that is dropped into a cylinder then blown up between guides to rest on the winding arm again.
I am Glad to know I am not the only one who is loopy around here.
   

Brian

[EdK]

(11-28-2013, 03:20 AM)Brian Wrote: ...
I am Glad to know I am not the only one who is loopy around here.

Brian

Brian,

You don't have to worry about that. Not on this forum anyway.

Ed

[TomG]

So I'm not alone...

I've also wondered if it would be possible to harness the power of a compressed car spring (either leaf or coil) to drive a clock. With that much stored energy, it should be possible to power a clock for many years. It would also look pretty cool hanging on the wall as a dynamic sculpture. Both of these are actually on my list of future projects.

Tom

[Brian]

So we have a start, the first part of the ball lift is made. This clock is being made "On the fly" so be prepared for changes of direction.
I think this will be a good project for alloy or plastic parts, cheap and easy to make and very visual in operation.
   

   

Now what next ?? Brian.

[Brian]

The first of the gears.
   
   
How it is all going to go together? I simply don't know.

Brian.

[Brian]

Gear No2 this one will drive the hands,(motion work) 200 teeth on this one.
   
Gee it fits. more to come.
   

Brian.

[Brian]

Added another gear today It's coming along nicely.
   
Brian.