Astro Skeleton clock.

[Herbiev]

Looking great so far. Thanks for the update

 

[bazmak]

Still following with awe

 

[Anatol]

I'm a latecomer to this thread. Like others, I find the evident skill and patience awe-inspiring. I had been thinking of building an Orrery, so this has provided food for thought.
For those interested in the history of such machines, there is some very interesting research on an ancient Greek machine - the Antikythera device. see video at -

 

[Wiff]

Ich verbeuge mich vor Ihnen.

 

[Buchanan]

Latest update. http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro-07-18.htm and a few photos. the large gear weighs 6.6 grams or about 1/4 ounce.

 

[minh-thanh]

This post really shows that us mere mortals are only playing at engineering.

I keep saying that I most probably, after 50 years at this game, only know about 1% of what there is to know. Looking at the quality and ingenuity of this clock, I think I could divide that figure by 10.

Words can't describe it.

John

John !
You is 1%, me it is probably 0.1%
It is a marvel of a mechanical.

 

[Rickl]

The workmanship leaves me completely amazed. Thanks.

 

[Buchanan]

Saturn is finished. next is Jupiter.

 

[Buchanan]

Here is the next update at the website. http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro-08-18.htm .

This is the jig I use for scribing the spokes before I cut them out on an electric scroll saw.
first the inner and outer rim are scribed with a spring loaded scriber mounted in the quill of my jig borer(luxury item).
the gear is spun aroiud

a spigot mounted on the machine table

Then it is glued to the brass plate with a set of pins placed to give me 3,4,5,6,8 or 12 spokes.

The scribing bar has a screw at each end so that the taper and width of the spoke can be adjusted.

The jig can take 6 inch diameter gears down the the 5/8th inch gear you see here.

 

[bazmak]

Unbelievable, I hope the shipping co don't drop it when its delivered to the client

 

[mayhugh1]

That's a qood comment. How will this be shipped to the customer? It doesn't look like something that can be packed to handle the shocks it'll see during commercial shipping that I'm familiar with, and looks too large for a commercial plane seat. Are there companies that will accept and insure a delivery like this? - Terry

 

[Buchanan]

That is a very valid question, Firstly most of the complication are sub assemblies that can be packed individually in a small boxes, likewise the two balance assemblies.
The main clock movement will bolt to a base that forms part of a box. This is, in turn, placed in another box with shock absorbing sponge pads between the two boxes. There can be up to three boxes inside each other. There are sock sensors and tilt sensors that are glued to the box, and, there are fine art shipping companies that are specialist in this type of transport. They supervise the loading and unloading at the airport, as well as customs inspections. Then there is the insurance and the reassembly to think of. It is an expensive operation. It is a tremendous relief when a clock is finally delivered and running. I have been through this process three times , Once there was damage to the wooden pedestal of an antique clock, when a truck driver tipped the pedestal on its side in the truck and it landed hard, there was checker pattern imprint in the timber. Unfortunately this was only wrapped in bubble wrap plastic as it was fairly robust and needed restoration. So there are problems.

 

[bazmak]

I assume you would have to go and assemble for the client
Where in the world would that be
How long
Will the finished clock be displayed under a glass dome
etc etc

 

[Buchanan]

This is a photo of the original Mockup.It is all cardboard and rattle can paint, and picture frame material, but gives the general idea of what we were aiming for.
I hope to go for the install. It will be going to Chicago.
How long? There is a bout a year more of construction and then I have to polish the beast.

 

[bazmak]

Whats the approx. overall height in the photo I assume a glass enclosure

 

[Buchanan]

About 6 foot , the brass movement is 28 inches wide 29.5 inches to the top of the brass balls and 17 inches deep . I have lost count of the number of parts but it must be heading for the 4000 mark

 

[bazmak]

Just the right height for viewing it must be quite a sight when its running.Are a lot of the movements visible to the eye
or are they so slow you don't see them. Are the planets visibly moving to the eye.If you understand my question

 

[Ghosty]

bazmak, A quick search on the tube and you will get a lot of videos, enjoy

Cheers
Andrew

 

[Buchanan]

The prime criteria when given this commission was: size(not to small ),complexity and movement. When the clock is running normally, every thing moves in real time. So the fastest moons on Saturn and Jupiter complete an orbit in just over a day, But, that is a little slow so we have a demo mode where all the complications can be cranked around at high speed, as in this There are many more videos on my clients you tube channel.

 

[kvom]

I assume that in the video the two "pendulums" are disconnected as I doubt they can be sped up. Also I don't see the hands moving, so it's a partial demo?