Fitting an old clock in a case.

[Andy Kev.]

I've been given an antique clock. It is about 6" in diameter and has a pendulum.

The idea is to build a case for it. I've not decided if it should be wall-mounted or free standing yet but that is not particularly relevant. The thing is that the clock body has nothing by way of attachment points. Building a case shouldn't be too difficult but housing the clock requires a bit of thought.

My current idea is a sort of cradle arrangement going from side to side of the case, possibly top and bottom as well. I could take battens of, say 1" by 1/2" cross section and scoop out recesses for the round clock body.

Has anybody any experience of this sort of thing or any other suggestions?

 

[Cabinetman]

Do you have a photo? from the back and underside would be good.

 

[Andy Kev.]

I'll dig it out and take some pics. At the moment it's somewhere in the cellar in one of my removals boxes, so this could take a day or two.

 

[Eric the Viking]

RogerS has made a few long case clock cases.

How long is the pendulum?

 

[RogerS]

As Ian says...can't offer much without some photos.

 

[Stargazer]

My long case clock mechanism isn't fixed into the case, it sits under its own weight on a shelf inside the clock. The shelf has slots for the chains and pendulum.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Stargazer,

that sounds entirely plausible. Thanks.

Nonetheless, photos will be forthcoming, (once I've found it in the cellar) if only to give Roger a chance to say, "Oh for God's sake, this is how you do it!"

 

[Stuart]

My long case clock mechanism isn't fixed into the case, it sits under its own weight on a shelf inside the clock. The shelf has slots for the chains and pendulum.

Whereas mine does have a couple of small fixing bolts that drop down from underneath the mechanism through the shelf it’s mounted on. Certainly not heavy duty, more to hold it in place as even small movements can result in problems with the functioning (for this mechanism anyhow).