Roll with it, maybe .Q: Several months ago, you had an address for repair person for a grandfather clock. Will you please send me the addresses or phone numbers?
L.V.
A: Call Nino Gonzales, 442-8689, who might be able to fix the problem with a free telephone consultation.
Bob Larson, Old Timer Clock Shop, 1803 W. 35th St., 451-5016, makes house calls ($185 in Austin and $225 in Georgetown). If the clock cannot be fixed in your home, Larson gives you a free estimate for the repairs in the shop and no charge for the house call.
Many clocks easily can be fixed easily if the mechanism is easily accessible, says Mark Headrick, Abbey Clock, 6101 Cary Drive (836-8434). House calls include lubrication, adjustment and minor repairs. Rates? $95 in Austin and about $145 in Georgetown. Visit abbeyclock.com for tips on buying clocks and keeping them running smoothly.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Traub decides it's time to close shop
Traub decides it's time to close shop .A little bit of old-time craftsmanship will be leaving St. James this week, as Herb Traub plans to close his clock repair shop, 57 years after he came to St. James.
On Tuesday of this week, Traub was still busy, and was willing to share some of his knowledge of clocks. Gears, clock faces, and other parts were spread out on his work bench. Picking up a loose metal coil, he said “the main spring is six feet long; if it is unwound like this, it takes me a while to fix it.” At age 83, Traub has spent countless hours at his craft, most of it in St. James.
Traub started at the Chicago School of Watchmaking, taking a two-year course and a four-year apprenticeship. He came to St. James in the spring of 1950 to work at Jim DeYoung's jewelry shop. “He was a good teacher,” said Traub. In 1957, Traub opened his own watch and jewelry shop, and ran it until his first retirement in 1990. “But I found out I couldn't just sit all day, I needed something to do,” he said. So he opened the repair shop.
When Traub first learned the business, every watch was a wind-up, and he mostly worked on pocketwatches. He hardly sees any pocketwatches any more. “Now they are all quartz, and run on batteries,” he said. “They even have throwaway watches you can get for four or five dollars.” But people still own plenty of old-fashioned house clocks, including grandfather, chime and cuckoo clocks.
Traub has learned patience from his craft. “If you get disturbed by a watch, or mad at a watch, you better quit,” he said, “or you're going to do something you're sorry for.”
Traub said he is happy to have practiced his craft for 57 years. “It's relaxing to fix watches,” he said. He also appreciates the city that has supported him for all those years. “St. James has been very good to me,” he said, “I've enjoyed it very much.”
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
On Tuesday of this week, Traub was still busy, and was willing to share some of his knowledge of clocks. Gears, clock faces, and other parts were spread out on his work bench. Picking up a loose metal coil, he said “the main spring is six feet long; if it is unwound like this, it takes me a while to fix it.” At age 83, Traub has spent countless hours at his craft, most of it in St. James.
Traub started at the Chicago School of Watchmaking, taking a two-year course and a four-year apprenticeship. He came to St. James in the spring of 1950 to work at Jim DeYoung's jewelry shop. “He was a good teacher,” said Traub. In 1957, Traub opened his own watch and jewelry shop, and ran it until his first retirement in 1990. “But I found out I couldn't just sit all day, I needed something to do,” he said. So he opened the repair shop.
When Traub first learned the business, every watch was a wind-up, and he mostly worked on pocketwatches. He hardly sees any pocketwatches any more. “Now they are all quartz, and run on batteries,” he said. “They even have throwaway watches you can get for four or five dollars.” But people still own plenty of old-fashioned house clocks, including grandfather, chime and cuckoo clocks.
Traub has learned patience from his craft. “If you get disturbed by a watch, or mad at a watch, you better quit,” he said, “or you're going to do something you're sorry for.”
Traub said he is happy to have practiced his craft for 57 years. “It's relaxing to fix watches,” he said. He also appreciates the city that has supported him for all those years. “St. James has been very good to me,” he said, “I've enjoyed it very much.”
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
How to Build Your Own Cuckoo Clock
How to Build Your Own Cuckoo Clock .Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and websites across the Internet, cuckoo clock kits are very rare indeed. Why is this? Two reasons: one is that as simple the cuckoo clock’s design may seem (after all, it was invented in 1730), it is actually very complicated and can only be replicated by masters. Minor defects in construction will render the movement meaningless with regard to telling accurate time. There is then the added difficulty of the simulated cuckoo sound.
As easy as it is to assemble finished parts at a company that has been doing it for a few hundred years, it’s very difficult for a beginner to achieve the same success – even when using the same parts. Also, since most of the artistry that draws people to appreciate the cuckoo clock is the look and sound of the finished product, there is no way to create a hand carved, artistic finished cuckoo clock and then disassemble it so somebody else could put it together. It simply cannot be done.
But rest your fears. For the ambitious cuckoo clock enthusiast there remains one way to create a totally unique cuckoo clock on your own. The company clockworks.com specializes in selling parts for all clocks, cuckoo clocks included, can sell you all of the individual parts you will need to create the inner workings of a basic cuckoo clock. You’ll pay quite a bit more then you would if you were simply to buy a finished cuckoo clock but that isn’t what you’re looking for, now is it?
You want to put it together yourself, and with the parts from clockworks.com you can do just that. The only problem is once you’ve got the inner workings you’ll actually have to do the artistic part yourself as well. You’ll have to sculpt a bird to emerge from the wooden doors and enough exterior decorations to satisfy yourself that you’ve done a Black Forest-worthy job. It can be done, but don’t expect a cuckoo clock in a box to come landing on your doorstep. You’ll have to become a master craftsman yourself.
Visit our online site for a great selection of Cuckoo clocks .
As easy as it is to assemble finished parts at a company that has been doing it for a few hundred years, it’s very difficult for a beginner to achieve the same success – even when using the same parts. Also, since most of the artistry that draws people to appreciate the cuckoo clock is the look and sound of the finished product, there is no way to create a hand carved, artistic finished cuckoo clock and then disassemble it so somebody else could put it together. It simply cannot be done.
But rest your fears. For the ambitious cuckoo clock enthusiast there remains one way to create a totally unique cuckoo clock on your own. The company clockworks.com specializes in selling parts for all clocks, cuckoo clocks included, can sell you all of the individual parts you will need to create the inner workings of a basic cuckoo clock. You’ll pay quite a bit more then you would if you were simply to buy a finished cuckoo clock but that isn’t what you’re looking for, now is it?
You want to put it together yourself, and with the parts from clockworks.com you can do just that. The only problem is once you’ve got the inner workings you’ll actually have to do the artistic part yourself as well. You’ll have to sculpt a bird to emerge from the wooden doors and enough exterior decorations to satisfy yourself that you’ve done a Black Forest-worthy job. It can be done, but don’t expect a cuckoo clock in a box to come landing on your doorstep. You’ll have to become a master craftsman yourself.
Visit our online site for a great selection of Cuckoo clocks .
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks
The Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks.These days, everything from ovens to telephones silently mark the minutes in glowing red and green letters, rendering the “tick tock” of the mechanical clock increasingly unnecessary. Digital clocks might be more convenient and accessible, but they will never hold our affection the way a good old-fashioned round-faced clock does.
Antique grandfather clocks are not collected for their time-keeping ability, they are a treasured piece of history, an heirloom to pass down to future generations. These classic timepieces are part of our lives, our homes, our families even. They are decorations and sometimes act as the design focal point of a room.
Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70,000. Some extremely rare models are worth over $100,000. A wise consumer, before spending this type of money, would have any prospective clock appraised before purchase.
These timeless treasures are available at flea markets, estate sales, local auctions, and through newspaper ads. Antique grandfather clocks can also sometimes be found at online auction sites. To be certain of a clock’s authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique. In addition to online auctions, established auction houses hold auctions for antique grandfather clocks, although these may happen only twice a year.
Antiques are a significant purchase, and should not be taken lightly. When buying an antique grandfather clock, there are several things to consider:
•Does the seller offer any guarantee of authenticity?
•What is the total price of the clock? Be sure to figure in shipping charges, tax, financing charges, etc.
•What is the clock’s condition? Obviously, a clock in excellent condition is considerably more valuable than one that is in poor form. A clock with all of its original components intact is worth more than one that has been restored.
•What are your intentions for the clock? If you intend to sell the clock, you need to find it at the absolute lowest price so that you can make a profit. On the other hand, if you are buying the clock purely for enjoyment, you might not be as concerned about original components, identifying marks, etc.
•How much is the clock really worth in today’s market. Knowledge of recent sales of similar clocks is extremely helpful in deciding how much to pay for a clock. If you do not have this knowledge, you should have a professional, unbiased appraisal done.
For those desiring the look of antique grandfather clocks without the hefty price tag, reproductions are available.
No matter how ubiquitous and prevalent digital clocks become, a stately grandfather clock will always have a place in our hearts—and our homes.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Antique grandfather clocks are not collected for their time-keeping ability, they are a treasured piece of history, an heirloom to pass down to future generations. These classic timepieces are part of our lives, our homes, our families even. They are decorations and sometimes act as the design focal point of a room.
Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70,000. Some extremely rare models are worth over $100,000. A wise consumer, before spending this type of money, would have any prospective clock appraised before purchase.
These timeless treasures are available at flea markets, estate sales, local auctions, and through newspaper ads. Antique grandfather clocks can also sometimes be found at online auction sites. To be certain of a clock’s authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique. In addition to online auctions, established auction houses hold auctions for antique grandfather clocks, although these may happen only twice a year.
Antiques are a significant purchase, and should not be taken lightly. When buying an antique grandfather clock, there are several things to consider:
•Does the seller offer any guarantee of authenticity?
•What is the total price of the clock? Be sure to figure in shipping charges, tax, financing charges, etc.
•What is the clock’s condition? Obviously, a clock in excellent condition is considerably more valuable than one that is in poor form. A clock with all of its original components intact is worth more than one that has been restored.
•What are your intentions for the clock? If you intend to sell the clock, you need to find it at the absolute lowest price so that you can make a profit. On the other hand, if you are buying the clock purely for enjoyment, you might not be as concerned about original components, identifying marks, etc.
•How much is the clock really worth in today’s market. Knowledge of recent sales of similar clocks is extremely helpful in deciding how much to pay for a clock. If you do not have this knowledge, you should have a professional, unbiased appraisal done.
For those desiring the look of antique grandfather clocks without the hefty price tag, reproductions are available.
No matter how ubiquitous and prevalent digital clocks become, a stately grandfather clock will always have a place in our hearts—and our homes.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Building Your Own Grandfather Clock
Building Your Own Grandfather Clock Timeless and elegant, classic and stately—grandfather clocks are all of those things. They are also rather expensive, with heirloom-quality grandfather clocks costing upwards of $10,000, making them inaccessible to much of the population. However, with just a little bit of money and a lot of do-it-yourself spirit, anyone can own a grandfather clock.
These kits generally contain all of the components you need to build a grandfather clock, including wood, hardware, and detailed instructions. The components are pre-cut, pre-drilled, pre-sanded and some components are already fully assembled. All the customer has to do is stain and assemble the pieces. The construction of many of the kits requires no special tools and no specific woodworking knowledge. (Check individual kits for specific tool and skills requirements). Pendulums, clock faces, and movement pieces need to be purchased separately. Some companies also offer a complete package, which includes the basic kit, plus the movement, dial, pendulum, and beveled glass.
Kits are available in different skill levels. Novices can purchase kits with much of the difficult work already done. Those with more time to commit to the project and more advanced woodworking abilities can simply purchase the hardware, movements, dials, and pendulums, and construct their own cases. More hardcore woodworking enthusiasts can make the entire clock from scratch, and simply purchase grandfather clock design plans.
Most grandfather clocks kits can be completed in just a few weekends, even for a beginner. Grandfather clock kits are available from a number of companies. Kits can be found for as much as $1,000 and as little as $250. Plans for grandfather clocks can be purchased for as little as $20. Often there is a choice of walnut, oak, or cherry case kits.
For clock enthusiasts, as well as woodworking hobbyists, grandfather clock kits can be a worthwhile project. All it takes is a small investment of both time and money, and an heirloom-quality clock is well within reach.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
These kits generally contain all of the components you need to build a grandfather clock, including wood, hardware, and detailed instructions. The components are pre-cut, pre-drilled, pre-sanded and some components are already fully assembled. All the customer has to do is stain and assemble the pieces. The construction of many of the kits requires no special tools and no specific woodworking knowledge. (Check individual kits for specific tool and skills requirements). Pendulums, clock faces, and movement pieces need to be purchased separately. Some companies also offer a complete package, which includes the basic kit, plus the movement, dial, pendulum, and beveled glass.
Kits are available in different skill levels. Novices can purchase kits with much of the difficult work already done. Those with more time to commit to the project and more advanced woodworking abilities can simply purchase the hardware, movements, dials, and pendulums, and construct their own cases. More hardcore woodworking enthusiasts can make the entire clock from scratch, and simply purchase grandfather clock design plans.
Most grandfather clocks kits can be completed in just a few weekends, even for a beginner. Grandfather clock kits are available from a number of companies. Kits can be found for as much as $1,000 and as little as $250. Plans for grandfather clocks can be purchased for as little as $20. Often there is a choice of walnut, oak, or cherry case kits.
For clock enthusiasts, as well as woodworking hobbyists, grandfather clock kits can be a worthwhile project. All it takes is a small investment of both time and money, and an heirloom-quality clock is well within reach.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Monday, February 5, 2007
Contemporary Grandfather Clocks
Contemporary Grandfather Clocks .The name “grandfather clock” instantly conjures up images of a dark, musty room, grandpa sitting in his rocking chair, smoking a pipe. Curls of woodsy smelling smoke drift across the room as his faithful old clock strikes the hour. Though the name grandfather is definitely old-fashioned, the clocks aren’t. While much of their technology is a reflection of the earliest clocks, the styles have evolved through the years.
Contemporary grandfather clocks are available in a wide range of styles. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find a clock to match. Today’s grandfather clocks can fit into any décor, including Oriental, Victorian or Minimalist. Moreover, a grandfather clock can become the focal point of a room, with everything else simply accentuating and supporting it.
Howard Miller is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of grandfather clocks ranging in price from $800 to $13,000. Sligh grandfather clocks are famous for their exquisite finish and sound and can be found in both traditional and contemporary designs. Ridgeway grandfather clocks have been made in Ridgeway, Virginia using German movements since 1960. Bulova is a well-known leader in clock craftsmanship manufacturing their line of grandfather clocks in Canada.
No longer just for grandparents, contemporary grandfather clocks are available in a wide variety of styles and price ranges.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Contemporary grandfather clocks are available in a wide range of styles. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find a clock to match. Today’s grandfather clocks can fit into any décor, including Oriental, Victorian or Minimalist. Moreover, a grandfather clock can become the focal point of a room, with everything else simply accentuating and supporting it.
Howard Miller is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of grandfather clocks ranging in price from $800 to $13,000. Sligh grandfather clocks are famous for their exquisite finish and sound and can be found in both traditional and contemporary designs. Ridgeway grandfather clocks have been made in Ridgeway, Virginia using German movements since 1960. Bulova is a well-known leader in clock craftsmanship manufacturing their line of grandfather clocks in Canada.
No longer just for grandparents, contemporary grandfather clocks are available in a wide variety of styles and price ranges.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Grandfather Clock Repair
Grandfather Clock Repair .A well-made grandfather clock is an heirloom piece, designed to be handed down from generation to generation. As such, they are made to last over several lifetimes. In fact, some grandfather clocks from the 1700s and 1800s are still in existence today. With such a long lifespan, it is inevitable that grandfather clocks will occasionally need repair.
If your grandfather clock needs repair, first check to see if it is under warranty. Most new clocks come with some type of limited warranty. If it is still under warranty, read the terms of the warranty carefully. Most will have specific procedures to follow for repairs. Grandfather clock repair is available at local clock repair shops. To find one, look in your local yellow pages. You could also do an internet search for “grandfather clock repair in [town].”
If you would like to try to fix your clock yourself, visit the website entitled “How to Repair Clocks.” It gives some tips on such items as “pendulum will not swing,” “runs too fast or slow,” “chimes out of sequence,” and “weights refuse to fall.” The website also offers instructional videos on how to repair clocks. If all else fails, they have a nationwide directory of clock repair shops.
If you need to replace a broken part, some companies or individuals do sell grandfather clock parts. The How to Repair Clocks website offers a short list of companies who sell clock parts. Grandfather clock parts are sometimes available at online auction sites.
If your grandfather clock movement stops working, you can buy a replacement movement at companies specializing in clock movements. While grandfather clock movement repair is available, it is usually less expensive to replace rather than fix.
Whether you are interested in fixing your clock yourself or hiring someone else to do it, there are an abundance of resources available.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
If your grandfather clock needs repair, first check to see if it is under warranty. Most new clocks come with some type of limited warranty. If it is still under warranty, read the terms of the warranty carefully. Most will have specific procedures to follow for repairs. Grandfather clock repair is available at local clock repair shops. To find one, look in your local yellow pages. You could also do an internet search for “grandfather clock repair in [town].”
If you would like to try to fix your clock yourself, visit the website entitled “How to Repair Clocks.” It gives some tips on such items as “pendulum will not swing,” “runs too fast or slow,” “chimes out of sequence,” and “weights refuse to fall.” The website also offers instructional videos on how to repair clocks. If all else fails, they have a nationwide directory of clock repair shops.
If you need to replace a broken part, some companies or individuals do sell grandfather clock parts. The How to Repair Clocks website offers a short list of companies who sell clock parts. Grandfather clock parts are sometimes available at online auction sites.
If your grandfather clock movement stops working, you can buy a replacement movement at companies specializing in clock movements. While grandfather clock movement repair is available, it is usually less expensive to replace rather than fix.
Whether you are interested in fixing your clock yourself or hiring someone else to do it, there are an abundance of resources available.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Getting a Grandfather Clock at a Discount
Whether it is a basic bong-bong-bong or a thrilling symphony, the sound of a grandfather clock faithfully chiming the hour is music to the ears for many people. However, the high price tag makes the clock strikes flat for the majority. Most people are simply unable or unwilling to spend thousands of dollars for a clock, no matter how beautiful or rich-sounding. However, these people do have alternatives.
Discount grandfather clocks are available for the budget-minded consumer. Many online companies sell grandfather clocks at reasonable prices. Furniture 2 Your Door, for example, offers a walnut finish grandfather clock with chime for $220.
Local discount furniture stores are also good options for discount grandfather clocks . Discount stores often sell decorative grandfather clocks, sometimes for under $200. While these cheap grandfather clocks may not be heirloom-quality, they can still be heirloom beautiful. If your main concern is to have an attractive piece of furniture without breaking the bank, these discount grandfather clocks are a good choice.
You can also buy higher quality clocks for less at online stores. One such outlet recently offered a Howard Miller Reigel grandfather clock for $1755; much less than its list price of $2925. One note about buying from online stores: make sure you include the shipping charges when you are comparing prices. This often overlooked aspect can make a huge difference. Sometimes it is worthwhile to pay a bit more at a local company or an online one that offers free shipping.
It is also possible to find undiscovered treasures at flea markets or garage sales. Sometimes people will unwittingly sell a high-quality grandfather clock for mere dollars. More often, however, you get exactly what you paid for—a good-looking albeit cheap clock. Unless you are knowledgeable in grandfather clocks , do not assume you have struck gold. Enjoy the clock for its looks, and if it turns out to be valuable that will be an added bonus.
If you have no interest in collecting clocks or reselling them, it is quite possible to own a beautiful grandfather clock at a discount price. Money saved is music to everyone’s ears.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Discount grandfather clocks are available for the budget-minded consumer. Many online companies sell grandfather clocks at reasonable prices. Furniture 2 Your Door, for example, offers a walnut finish grandfather clock with chime for $220.
Local discount furniture stores are also good options for discount grandfather clocks . Discount stores often sell decorative grandfather clocks, sometimes for under $200. While these cheap grandfather clocks may not be heirloom-quality, they can still be heirloom beautiful. If your main concern is to have an attractive piece of furniture without breaking the bank, these discount grandfather clocks are a good choice.
You can also buy higher quality clocks for less at online stores. One such outlet recently offered a Howard Miller Reigel grandfather clock for $1755; much less than its list price of $2925. One note about buying from online stores: make sure you include the shipping charges when you are comparing prices. This often overlooked aspect can make a huge difference. Sometimes it is worthwhile to pay a bit more at a local company or an online one that offers free shipping.
It is also possible to find undiscovered treasures at flea markets or garage sales. Sometimes people will unwittingly sell a high-quality grandfather clock for mere dollars. More often, however, you get exactly what you paid for—a good-looking albeit cheap clock. Unless you are knowledgeable in grandfather clocks , do not assume you have struck gold. Enjoy the clock for its looks, and if it turns out to be valuable that will be an added bonus.
If you have no interest in collecting clocks or reselling them, it is quite possible to own a beautiful grandfather clock at a discount price. Money saved is music to everyone’s ears.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)