The Creation of a Turret Clock

Not quite old enough...

  Yesterday, I was at the Smithsonian Musuem of American History.  There is one particular area that I love to visit.  It includes the history of steam engines, electrical engines and the early stages of the industrial revolution.  Now, the reason that I like this area is that I have a natural curiosity for mechanical inventions.

  I spent time looking at some early steam locomotives(including a John Bull, one of the first true locomotives).  I like to actually trace the pipes, valves, etc... and try to figure out the basic mechanical principles.  I don't know why, just something I have always enjoyed.

  Well, they have a lot of clocks on display as well.  One of their clocks is later 17th century.  Aside from it using a pendulum and a slightly different layout, all of the principles of the clock are the same as mine.  After looking at it, I think I am going to go for a slightly thicker metal for the frame.  The main reason, quite frankly, is that I just like the look.  It gives it a more solid "feel"

  The original medieval clocks had frames with a thickness of 1/4" to just over 1/2".  I was originally going to go with 3/8" but I think I will go with the 1/2".  This has an added value in that it will be the same thickness as the gears giving it a more uniform look...