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I'm highly skeptical in terms of 3d printing and laser cutting. Laser cutting has issues with tiny pieces heating up and warping. It's something they warn you a

by flogic 14y ago

I'm highly skeptical in terms of 3d printing and laser cutting. Laser cutting has issues with tiny pieces heating up and warping. It's something they warn you about when designing parts. Most of the 3d printed parts I've seen pictures of have visible ridges due to print resolution. Also, I question material strength in 3d printing. While the goo coming out of the print head will be hot the deposited material is likely to have cooled. Source: I'm slowly designing and hopefully making my own clock. I'm targeting more mantle piece size so I can hopefully get away with laser cutting.

Jtsummers 14y ago
What resources have you used to learn clock design?
- flogic 14y ago
  To be completely honest, I'm cheating. I considered doing a full mechanical clock but I'm going the micro controller and stepper motor route. There are a couple of reasons for this. First and foremost, I don't really have the space for a workshop. Nor, do I have any machinist training. However considering, you can order wooden clock kits on the internet that's probably not the big deal it seems. Given that I'm cheating, I've vastly reduced the knowledge I need. My mechanical bits should be understandable to any reasonably bright person. The electronics can be gleaned through the howtos on Sparkfun and Ada Fruit. All that said, basic clock operation doesn't seem to be anything that complicated. The hard parts come in when you want accuracy and run time. There are a couple of clock repair sites around the internet. A common theme seems to be managing wear and lubrication over there years so the tiny amount of power provided is enough.
  - Jtsummers 14y ago
    Thanks. I also lack a workshop and machinist training, and these days the time. I've got an extra room and no longer have a roommate so I could make use of it as a workshop now. Just need tools and a project, old desk will be my workbench.

by flogic 14y ago

Jtsummers 14y ago

What resources have you used to learn clock design?

flogic 14y ago
To be completely honest, I'm cheating. I considered doing a full mechanical clock but I'm going the micro controller and stepper motor route. There are a couple of reasons for this. First and foremost, I don't really have the space for a workshop. Nor, do I have any machinist training. However considering, you can order wooden clock kits on the internet that's probably not the big deal it seems. Given that I'm cheating, I've vastly reduced the knowledge I need. My mechanical bits should be understandable to any reasonably bright person. The electronics can be gleaned through the howtos on Sparkfun and Ada Fruit. All that said, basic clock operation doesn't seem to be anything that complicated. The hard parts come in when you want accuracy and run time. There are a couple of clock repair sites around the internet. A common theme seems to be managing wear and lubrication over there years so the tiny amount of power provided is enough.
- Jtsummers 14y ago
  Thanks. I also lack a workshop and machinist training, and these days the time. I've got an extra room and no longer have a roommate so I could make use of it as a workshop now. Just need tools and a project, old desk will be my workbench.