Paper Clock

[julian64]

My wife bought me a model project which is a paper clock. Its a wall hung model with proper escapement and weights all made from paper.

I told her a long time ago that I'd tried to make it as a teenager and never got it to work so threw it away. So her idea was that I could revisit it and succeed where there was previous failure.

The trouble is I think this is doomed to failure before I start. In a clock there is actually quite a lot of weight needed on the cogwheels to produce the movement and that just rips up the paper/card.

So the question is, has anyone every succeeded in making one of these that actually works. Better qualify what I mean by 'works'. How about runs for more than five minutes?

[Simpo Two]

Without a link I can't say, but I expect you're far better able to complete it now than before.

As you already have it, it seems rather defeatist to shun it just because you failed 10/20/30 years ago. The second time you do anything it's always easier and better.

[dr_gn]

If you look through a few paper model forums there are quite a few people who have built them and would give advice.

[julian64]

sorry this is the one. Not sure you can reply on the idea I would be better the second time around

[Simpo Two]

julian64 said:

Not sure you can reply on the idea I would be better the second time around

Well, have your capabilities not improved since you were a teenager? Knowledge, wisdom, patience, skill?

Anyway, you have it, it's paid for, so you have nothing to lose. Show the teenage Julian what the adult Julian can do - and impress the wife too.

[dr_gn]

You might be able to wet the paper with pva or cyano, to locally harden it where necessary, or perhaps laminate the paper with card?

[Zad]

I'm sure I had that book too! I don't remember how far I got with it. I keep finding random paper cogs and square section beams that I remember making in boxes at my parents. Anyway, rather than the problem being that the gear surfaces can't take the load, it may be that the cause is further down the line and the bearings are too stiff. I can't imagine paper on paper is ideal. Maybe some sort of plastic bushing would help.