test escapement for "No.7".mp4

The escapement is the heart of most clocks, and usually the most interesting thing to watch in a basic clock train. It delivers an impulse to the pendulum to keep it swinging, while at the same time using the pendulums consistent swing to regulate the clock train so that it can keep accurate time.

This particular style of escapement is called a 'gravity escapement', specifically an Arnfield gravity escapement. I've never made one before, let alone a sideways one. I'm about to spent over a thousand hours on my next clock, and I needed to make sure that I could make this mechanism work before I invested all of that time.

That said, here's my test of a sideways Arnfield grav. arm. The six legged escape wheel and the 'arms' are finished. The pendulum, and anything else thats still shiny yellow brass isn't finished.

To view the progress of this five foot horological monster, visit http://ericfreitas.com/

Enjoy!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• escapement
• arnfield
• gravity
• six
• legged
• test
• gothic
• clock
• twisted
• dark
• mechanical
• gears
• ticking
• time
• brass
• metalwork
• strange
• unique
• beautiful
• machine
• machined
• cog
• gnarled
• wicked
• art
• sculpture
• handmade
• timepiece
• eric
• freitas
• weird
• ornate
• detailed

[sirvanderhoot]

One day, I'm going to be rich. Just so I can buy one of your clocks.

You just have to promise to be still making them at that time.

[fr31tas]

I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. With just five years of experience I'd like to think I'm just getting started.

[MrColorcrayons]

Its a great video, Eric. I really REALLY hope you do more of these in the future.

Its nice to see the gears in action as opposed to just seeing the very pretty pics on your website.

As always, excellent work.

[fr31tas]

I will. When the clock is complete I'd like to put together something really professional. Good sound, smooth transitions, dramatic lighting, type, the whole nine (I hope)

[ayanamifan]

Amazing piece of art already ^_^

The escapement is nicely calm and i love the design and precision.

Makes me wanna build something like that as well

[fr31tas]

Thank you! There is something calming about it's sounds. The ironic part is, this one makes more noise than the standard escapements that I've made, but somehow it's less intrusive.

[grasshoppertime]

Fantastic escapement design. I take it its a a gravity esc?

[TheLowtonStrangler]

Excellent!

[micinput]

One part of the escapement resembles a seahorse. If you were ever to do a more figurative design, that might make a motif that's very suitable to your design aesthetic.

--Mike Jennings

[lordauron]

And one day I shall be far wealthier than sirvanderhoot and be able to say, "I want a Freitas-made, 9-planet, 28-moon orrery."

[ayanamifan]

hrm yeah but a special piece like this deserves to be heared. and due to the mechanic the clicking is not just a click but a rather nice "composition" of sounds if you will ^_^

Definately keep us up to date on that clock.

I started experimenting with clockworks a bit as well and am thinking about building a wooden clock, scince i lack the tools for working with metal.

[Morluna]

Ahhh you're going to kill me with awesome one day. Amazing work as always.

<3 Laura