Steel run!!!
Well I have to say that actually working on the clock has really increased my blacksmithing energy and interest. For about 18 months now I have been learning the basics of blacksmithing. What used to take an hour I can now do in minutes. A simple tent stake would take 10-12 heatings(number of times put in the fire to reheat) but I can do them in 2 heatings now. One heating for either end.
The frame posts are coming to the point that I need to start making the other parts of the frame soon. To do that, I need to pick up some more metal. The posts are made from 2 1/2" x 1/2" stock. I think the crossmembers will be either 1 1/2 x 1/2 or 1 x 1/2. I am keeping pretty close to some period examples. Some of the period examples are a much thinner stock but I chose heavier for 2 reasons. First, I simply like the heavier look better. Second, I expect to have to transport this clock on several occasions so the heavier stock should make it more durable.
Unfortunately, I am teaching this week. I will have to wait to pickup the steel until early next week.
A chronicle of my attempts to create an early clock using only traditional techniques.
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