Movement for a Mass. Shelf Clock

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M

macchips4

Well-known member
I'm thinking of making a Massachusetts shelf clock. I started looking around ebay for weight driven movements that would work, but I'm not sure which would work.
Has anyone used OG clock style movements (time and strike)? Would it be "OK" to use a spring driven movement? even then it is hard to find a weight driven movement with the pendulum/weight in the rear..A banjo type movement seems to have too long of a drop/length pendulum (plus the pendulum is in the front of the movement).......Modify the plans to fit a movement?.......Any thoughts/suggestions?....
 
Absolutely, get the movement first then modify your plans as required to fit.

While an OG movement may work there are problems. OG weight cords run up to a pulley at the top of the case and the weights travel along the sides of the case. This would be incompatible with your style of case. Most are 30 hour but there are 8 day movements as well. It might be possible to make some modifications to allow the weights to fall in a more appropriate manner but this would also probably require custom cast weights, especially for the 8 day movement. A spring driven American strap movement may have clearance issues as the springs extend out from the side of the movement quite a bit as the clock runs. Springs in barrels would remove this problem.

Your best bet will be to find a movement for a banjo clock. Theses are similar enough in size and design that it should be the easiest to fit to your clock.

Massachusetts shelf clocks were made with both pendulum in front of and behind the movement. I prefer the pendulum in front as it is less sensitive to clearance issues between the pendulum and the case back. A weight rubbing a little on the back of the case is much less trouble than the pendulum bob rubbing.

Ebay will probably be your best source for a movement but if you are anywhere near Lancaster, PA the NAWCC National is next week and I believe they are opening the mart up to non members for a day.

Troy
 
I'm curious on how you made out macchips. I too want to make the shelf clock as well.. I just bought a banjo clock movement and will attempt to make a reproduction Aaron Willard shelf clock. Any comments from your experience?

Mark
 
Hello Mark, it took a while to make a decision but I decided to get a newly made Mass. Clock movement....They ar being made by Scott Kipp in Philadelphia Pa...He worked /mentored with David Lindow who now is involved with engine turning and the Plumier foundation....Scott is on instagram as himself and as "phila_clock_and_metronome" he also reproduces the Willard Banjo movement.
I have not began any case building Life stuff is getting in the way and I need to finish up present projects......Not sure of any single case design...maybe a combination of a few makers/cases. Al Breed has some plans for a shelf clock.
I did take a trip to Old Sturbridge Village in Mass. They have quite a few on display and are very helpful arranging a visit, taking a clock off display and examining the clocks "hands on"....spent a couple of hours with some Seymour shelf cases....When process begins I'll try to post some photos...and please you do the same!
Joe
 
I will echo what has been said about getting your movement first. And then modifying your plans to fit the movement. But, don't forget that the face, or dial, is a part of that equation.

Once you get started, consider posting your progress in the bench section of the website. A lot of or members would enjoy following along with you on this journey.
 
Thank you all for your replies. I did reach out to Scott on IG today. Waiting on his reply. Looks like he does fantastic work . I'm still deciding on what design to use but it will definitely be a Kidney shape dial. I like the Aaron Willard or Elnathan Taber shelf clocks alot. I did read that some of the early dials were made of wood.but also iron. I also belong to the NAWCC and I'm researching to see if I could also modify the banjo movement I already have to have the pendulum in the back. Seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to accomplish. I will post pictures and probably alot more questions for you guys in the future. I watched last week's video with Tony Kubalak and was interested in using AI in the design plans. it gave me some good measurements just from a picture. I'm also looking at antique clock dealer web sites for measurements and more pictures. plan to visit Sturbridge in the near future to see the collections ... can't wait to go...
 
It would be a little work but I think adapting the movement you have is worth trying. The collet on the anchor is typically soldered on. Do you have a depthing tool?
 
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