Thinking about grandfather clocks

[Black wallnut]

I'm thinking it may be time to build one and try to sell it for premium money. I'd have to go talk to a couple of higher end furniture stores first to see if they are even interested. The cost of the movement and workings has me a bit less sure of this idea. Which of our members have built one and how much did they pay for the movements? Pictures would be nice. Links to your post here on BT3Central would be fine too.

Thanks,

[drillman88]

This may or may not be helpful. I seem to remember NYW had an episode were Nahm made a grandfather clock.Maybe one of the members has the video or plan to give you the movement manufacturer.At least you would have a start.
Sorry I couldnt help more.

[pelligrini]

I've heard good things about Klockit. I've never ordered anything from them, nor have I ever built one. Been thinking about it though, until I see the prices on the higherend mechanical works.
http://www.klockit.com/

I just put the face back on a wall hung, mechanical, coil gong clock my MIL gave to me about half an hour ago. It just needed a little cleaning and lubrication. I did the same and repaired a busted up cabinet on one my wife procured for my birthday a few years ago. I've been wanting to do a big one since.

[Daryl]

I think that what Norm made was with a quartz movement. Some folks accept that in a GF clock. Klockit has a lot of movements to choose from. I think I would make the wooden carcass and let the customer choose the movement.

[pelligrini]

Personally, I hate those electric quartz movements. Especially if it has a fake pendulum or some cheesy electronic chime. That just doesn't seem right to me.

Might as well just slap a LED digital face on it and call it a day.

I think clocks like that should be wound by hand, and the pendulum adjustable so you can keep messing with it until it is just right.

[Whaler]

With all this talk about grandfather clocks I would like to share this with you.
My wife's great grandfather retired from the Maine RR in 1913 after 40 years of service. His retirement gift was a grandfather clock which now stands proudly in our living room.
The clock is 8' 4" tall with a 7 day movement and still keeps perfect time. The finish is original and beautiful I am guessing that the wood is walnut.

[master53yoda]

My neighbor has built two of these in the last 5 years and they are beautiful and work very well he sold one for 2800.00. He said that the parts came very high quality and he had no problem parts in either kit. I don't know if this I what you are thinking about or a complete self done clock but the clock works. I have been contemplating doing one by kit when my finishing skill level gets high enough, I cut things out and mill good enough but I'm always disappointed in the final finish when I'm done.

http://www.klockit.com/products/dept...ather_Kit.html

[Jim Boyd]

I found S. LaRose to be cheaper than Klockit for movements. BUT I just looked them up to post a link and they are now Klockit?

[billwmeyer]

A grandfather clock as I have mentioned a few times here is my dream project. I would not make a profit on one as I would have to make probably 4 before I ever got a chance to sell one. I hope it works for you.

Bill

[Rich P]

30 years ago I built an Emperor kit. Turns out in some of the kits back then the movements were weak and it now appears all need to be cleaned and lubricated every few years, at least that's what I've been told. I did find a modern replacement movement for my clock at http://www.clockworks.com/. You can pretty much build up your own works from movement to dial, to hands and pendulum.

[ironhat]

You might want to see if a furniture store will buy it outright and re-sell for a profit rather than having you sitting back waiting for a sale. Remember, the economy isn't exactly brisk for sale of custom furnishings. Sorry, don't mean to rain on your parade - just a thought.