Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Digitizers, Renishaw (for bill phillips)

Hi Alan,

>
> What do you think of the electronically driven mechanical clocks? Is
> that of interest to build? Or is it strictly weights and springs?
>

As I said before, I am a watch person and don't have much to do with clocks
except high grade marine chronometers and French Carriage clocks with
complicated striking work or musical movements. To me most clocks are the
same, two brass plates with a standard collection of gears in a fancy wooden
box! (Except skeleton clocks which are even worse!!)

Seriously, any kind of clock is a worthwhile project and I certainly have
nothing against electrical or electro-mechanical timepieces. However, I
would expect anyone on this list to make something a bit more interesting
than a straightforward clock - one with musical striking perhaps or, even
better, an automaton clock with moving figures etc. As a cnc project, clocks
would be fairly easy to produce in quantity and you would be able to do some
fancy engraving on the plates, dials and cases to improve their saleability.
I am considering doing something similar with watches eventually but that is
a bit more difficult. The one big problem that all engineers seem to have
with clocks is making them to too close tolerances - they need to be a
rattling good fit to absorb all the flexing of the frame and temperature
effects. Over the years I have had many model engineers turn up at the door
with beautifully finished clocks which just won't run because they have been
made too 'tight'. But, after easing all the pivot holes with a broach and
making sure there is end play in the arbors, they have gone away happily
with working clocks.

There have been a number of interesting designs for electro-mechanical
clocks, some of which have used stepper motors as the power source and
others which have used LED/photocell sensors to regulate the impulsing of
the pendulum. Perhaps you could come up with a design which hasn't been
tried yet?

Ian
--
Ian W. Wright
Sheffield UK
www.iw63.freeserve.co.uk