Making a clock escapement
Making a clock escapement is a complex process that requires a lot of skill and precision. Here are some general steps that can be taken
James
January 3, 2024
Here are some tips on how to care for your clock case:
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- Wooden Clock Cases: The majority of clocks fall into this category, be it grandfather clocks or mantel clocks. The number one reason for a worn-out looking case is not cleaning it, or not cleaning it with the correct products. I recommend wiping off the dust with a clean and dry cloth, be it an unused duster or a ‘J Cloth’ type. Then, apply a beeswax polish to the clock once a year. I recommend Gilboys Beeswax. Apply this with ‘0000’ Steel Wool. Leave the wax on for around 20 minutes and buff with a soft dry cloth. Cases that are particularly dirty, or live in a room with a coal fire, may benefit with a clean with a soft cloth dampened with some warm soapy water, before moving on to the wax. If cleaning a large clock case, such as a grandfather clock, I suggest doing the clock in stages, to avoid missing any bits.
- Brass Clocks: Brass clocks, such as carriage clocks, tend to come covered in a chalk-like substance, particularly around the glass. This is old Brasso that has been applied to keep the clock looking its best, by well-meaning owners. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that brass will oxidize and tarnish. When polishing a carriage clock case, apply a lacquer to prevent the brass from tarnishing. This isn’t however something that should be attempted by the customer as it involves dismantling the case. Instead, I suggest just letting the brass tarnish. It’s easy enough for any competent clockmaker to remove the tarnish with the right chemicals. Of course, if the customer would like to slow the tarnishing process down, I suggest Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax. This is a museum-grade wax that can be applied and buffed. It’s pretty much invisible, and after a few coats will prevent the case from tarnishing. This should be applied yearly, though if the clock is handled regularly more frequent applications may be necessary.
- Antique Clocks: Antique clocks require special care. I recommend using Priory Polishes High Grade Ultra Fine 0000 Steel Wire Wool to apply the clock case restorer. Always work in the direction of the grain of the wood. Once you have applied the restorer, you can apply a beeswax polish to the clock. I recommend Gilboys Beeswax. Apply this with ‘0000’ Steel Wool. Leave the wax on for around 20 minutes and buff with a soft dry cloth. Cases that are particularly dirty, or live in a room with a coal fire, may benefit with a clean with a soft cloth dampened with some warm soapy water, before moving on to the wax. If cleaning a large clock case, such as a grandfather clock, I suggest doing the clock in stages, to avoid missing any bits.
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