Essay On Grandfather Clock

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HOW IT TICKS AND WHAT MAKES IT TOCK
Introduction

A grandfather clock (also called long or tall case clock) is a mechanical time keeping device that is freestanding and ranges from six to eight feet tall. These clocks can be weight or spring driven and works using the law of gravity. In weight driven models, a large pendulum (three to five feet long) hangs in the center and a system of weights is attached to the inside of the clock. Gravity causes the pendulum to constantly swing back and forth, moving the weights at the proper times to keep the hands on the clock face accurate. Spring driven models are the same except a coiled spring is used instead of weights. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on weight driven clocks. Owners must use a key to lift the weights, because over time, the weights fall due to gravity, and the clock will stop unless rewound. Gears control every mechanical function of the clock (i.e. hand movements). Grandfather clocks are made out of wood, such as pine, beech, oak, mahogany, and cherry woods. Owners have the ability to switch on or off a chime, which is used to indicate the hour, and the wood cabinet of the clock acts like an echo chamber for the chime. Grandfather clocks have two main parts: the trunk and hood. The trunk houses the pendulum, weight, and chime rods behind a glass door. The hood displays the face of the clock and encloses the clock mechanisms. An optional moon dial can also be found above the clock face. Both the trunk and the hood are traditionally highly ornamental. A grandfather clock was designed to tell time so only an hour and minute hand is needed to do this, but since they are ornamental, they also become beautiful family heirlooms.

What defines a mechanical clock ...

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...on to move a selector lever to "Chime-silent" when they do not want to hear it or in some clocks, they have other chime options. Sometimes the chimes are marked “Melody 1” or something similar. It is important to not move the selector while the clock is chiming, because the chime hammers will break. There is also a night shut off lever, so owners will not be disturbed with the chimes while they sleep.

Conclusion

The design of the grandfather clock shows great artistry and despite advances in technology, it still stands as a symbol of excellence. The principles of mechanical energy (i.e. weights and gears) along with the use of a pendulum create an accurate timepiece. Winding the clock keeps the mechanisms going and allows a chiming feature to work. As long as the owner keeps the clock wound and takes the appropriate steps, this clock can last through generations.

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