Almonte clock tower clock tour

[@JCLoony]

Ron was a gift to this town. He gave me this tour a few years back, it was always fun to work with him. Thanks for showing this off, it's great.

[@FrederickDunn]

You must move in very smart circles... :) I was also wondering what would happen if we didn't have people like this around who are capable and willing.

[@Undermeman]

It's always nice to have friends in high places.

[@st0rmforce]

bu-dum tish

[@henryD9363]

You have no shame :)

[@ToddAndrewCole]

That was fun to watch; what a great time I had!

[@richyoung8505]

Also, friends with time on their hands.

[@ToddAndrewCole]

I've got to hand it to you-that was pretty good!

[@CrowdSurfingGeezer]

I'm 53 yrs old. This is a delightful first for me. Thank you so much for bringing us along!

[@doug.ritson]

Time to make a wood gear clock

[@magicrobharv]

DRitz78 I was thinking the same thing.

[@Yonatan24]

Check out Jeremy Fielding's videos on that! I'm not sure I've actually watched them myself though.

[@Cavalier_Steve]

Absolutely!

[@Gorango27]

I would like to see this happen

[@adamrisberg6507]

I read somewhere that he is building a wooden briquet press.

[@mety9325]

This reminded me of my Grandma, who was a verger at the local church. She used to take me to the Church when i was a little boy and we rang the bells at 6:00 pm (they were electrically operated). But i really enjoyed climbing up the tower to the clockwerk and winding it up - once a week i think. It was pretty similar to this one, just twice as big. Thank you, Matthias.

[@Spikejwh1]

LOL... manually 5 bells at 4 o'clock... so for this day everyone in the town went home 1 hour early because Matthias Wandel was in the belltower.... ;-)

[@legomasterj]

And then the next day nobody went home because they forgot to connect the bells again.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

This is what you get with a count wheel striking system. They always strike in sequence so if the strike gets out of sync with the time side (the hands), something like this needs to be done to put it back in sequence. This is just as true for house clocks as with tower clocks. That's one reason that rack-and-snail striking was invented in the 1600s... it works off the hour hand and so never gets out of sync with the hands.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for bringing us along on this cool tour. It took me back about thirty years to when I was a clock repairman and the one time that I got to assist in the rep are of a tower clock in Lebonon, Ohio. In that case someone at the turn of the last century had electrified it by removing the weights and adding a couple motors. We were unable to find any of the missing parts so I'm sure that the company that provided that service took them away for spare parts. I had expected a much larger movement, because up until that point in my life I had only ever seen the insides of a clock tower in movies, and those were always huge and fanciful. I sue have a ton of respect for those guys who used to climb up the exterior to do maintenance on the hands and faces. So glad to see that this clock is being so well cared for. Scott

[@wobblysauce]

indeed

[@thomasmarliere2505]

First time I see the inside of a clock of that kind, thanks for sharing :-)

[@FrederickDunn]

Such an extraordinary example of mechanics and Matthias is standing there thinking of how he'd have done it better in a more convenient array :) Nice to see something that doesn't depend on the internet or a satellites in order to function. Certainly, Mr Wandel will find a better material for that variable weight pendulum. I love the woodwork on the clock face wooden supports... all very VERY interesting. Thank you for sharing! Gets my gears turning in my head...

[@tabhorian]

Love the curved frames around the clock faces. Lot of craftsmanship went into this whole thing. Thanks!

[@mcearl8073]

This is all mechanical is it not? I got a bit confused when he asked if it ever stopped due to power outages. It’s a pretty cool thing to see the inner workings of. Then I was thinking that people were able to shrink all that down into a watch and it’s just incredible what man can accomplish with his hands.

[@PaulinaPaulino]

That was fantastic! I see a Woodgears project here on "how to make a clock using gears made out of wood".

[@wagdyziada4503]

Me too

[@Vibemaker68]

That would be cool!

[@JasperJanssen]

Paulina Paulino if you want to see wood geared clocks, come to Franeker in Friesland, the Netherlands. The Eyse Eysinga planetarium is a rather elaborate clock, with everything including the gears made out of wood in the 19th century by an amateur laborer. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site now.

[@kaboomer13]

When will the plans for the wood version be available for purchase?

[@matthiasburger2315]

About the clock: "W. F. Evans & Sons, Soho Clock Factory, Handsworth. (William Frederick Evans) was founded by Mathew Boulton & James Watt, their foreman John Haughton took over the business in 1805 and established himself in Soho Street, Birmingham, branding the business as The Soho Clock Factory Handsworth. His son-in-law, William Frederick Evans took over the running of the business in 1843. The Business ceased trading 1934"

[@sbell2496]

Superb! Now I challenge other Clock Keepers and Wood Gear Gurus from other cities, towns and villages worldwide to share the treasures in their care. Thank-you James and Matthias!

[@leon_mnl]

it's very relaxing to hear the tapping and see those gears smoothly work together,nice informative video!

[@lemagreengreen]

I remember my uncle had a big old house, probably similar age to this building that had a clock tower. He was caretaker for the building and lived in part of it. Unfortunately the clock wasn't operating but I remember getting to go up to the small area just like this and look at the mechanism - fascinating stuff, great to see one running.

[@dasstackenblochen9250]

This reminds me of the tower clock in my home town. It's a somewhat similar construction, lots of brass and big, very sturdy cast iron frames (the bells are huge and take a lot of force to ring). It was built in 1882 and was in service continuously until the late 1990s. It used four different bells (still in use) and used weights between 100 kg (smallest bell) and 400 kg (largest bell), five in total plus one for the clock. The weights are so heavy that the shaft to pull them up is geared down 1:3 or so. The clock itself is constructed in a separate cast iron frame, the only connection between the "bell gearing" and the "clock gearing" is a lever with lots of play. Presumably to avoid vibration from the bell gear to affect the clock. Reportedly it was accurate to about one hour in a month.

[@vsmetc7305]

I always find your videos interesting. I was surprised to see Almonte - I lived there from 1994-2000. I don't remember ever seeing that clock running. Thanks for the tour

[@toodloo]

You just missed the restart then, Jan 1 midnight, 2000

[@RookieLock]

Really cool, I was lucky enough to see our towns clock tower in the old post office, It's really different than the one you've showed. I really enjoyed watching this video, thanks as always for sharing Matthias!

[@CrucialMuzic]

Wow that was rather impressive. Loved seeing that!!

[@jakematic]

Horology is such a beautiful blend of art and science. Ironically need to time one of my wall clocks today due to the weather.

[@edkramer65]

I build mechanical clocks & this was an awesome video to see the mega size of what I am used to. Incredible what man can do. Thank you for sharing.

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

I notice after checking your channel that you don't show your work on KZbin. Since mechanical clocks fascinate a lot of people it could be great to see your work shown here too. I have no idea if that is practical for you, but if it is I for one would welcome it.

[@cncwoodworxroc6881]

Shared.

[@dasstackenblochen9250]

Making videos is a lot of effort...

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

Das Stackenblochen+ Sometimes it is, yes, that's why I put in the bit about whether or not it is practical for him to do it. I realise he may not have time, or may not even own a video camera - I don't own one myself so it did occur to me. My comment was meant to encourage him to share his work here t IF it is practical and if he wants to.

[@edkramer65]

I would like to be more clear on here as to what I build as my statement could have been taken in many ways. I buy mechanical clock movements & build clocks around them. It was something my father did & I am following in his footsteps. I may some day post videos but for right now I do not have a video camera but some day that may be in the works. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@bobd.]

Very interesting Matthias, thanks for taking us on this tour of the workings of large clocks.

[@piccilos]

Matthias and Clickspring collaboration when?

[@SKINxSLAYER]

All right Matthias. Let's see you build one!!! That's cool too see vintage time work.

[@TheRocketbob22]

My, isn't" that awesome, you never fail to amaze the masses, Matthias. All that ingenuity reduced to a quartz crystal.

[@brocktechnology]

There's something magical about the stairs gradually becoming smaller, sketchier, and less finished as you climb. It has almost a Dr. Seuss feel.

[@toodloo]

The stairs really do add a lot to the experience. They remind you that you are going somewhere special and secret.

[@jklawrence1]

No criticism at all, the mechanism would be beyond me so I’m in no place to criticise! Anything Matthias has to tell the world, I’m listening!! You clearly have a delicate and difficult job on your hands too!

[@AndreaMercierArtist]

I used to live there...I loved Almonte and the bar that used to be in the old Post Office! You should do more videos on the road...and show off the Ottawa area.

[@Gaea4U]

James there you go blowing off our gears again... ha! Love this! Congrats!

[@HandToolRescue]

Gorgeous.

[@forestlampcraft472]

You have a very interesting channel there is a lot to learn!!!

[@melvinjackson4096]

A trick : you can watch series on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies these days.

[@atlasasher3519]

@Melvin Jackson Definitely, I have been using Flixzone for months myself =)

[@scdevon]

That escapement is awesome. Beautiful movement. Heavy duty !!

[@teddevocht5489]

Very interesting tour, i have driven pass that clock tower so many times over the years. Great to see how it works.

[@itguy6547]

Can't believe you've just gone through Almonte!! I grew up in Carleton Place, the town less than 10km away from there! I always thought you lived in Saskatchewan or Manitoba so I found it surprising to see a recent video of yours where you're in Almonte! Seems unbelievable!

[@shivamvaid601]

The person showing you the clock is soo sweet. Donate something to him. I'll say a video on the gear cleaning and detailed mechanisms? I mean one day of a video where you help him to maintain the components.

[@presentdayjeff5790]

Thanks for the tour, Matthias. My first real job before my present career was antique clock repair, and I’ve always been fascinated especially by early wooden movements. Your gear making and occasional use of lignum vitae often remind me of the early John Harrison clocks, and similar. I wonder if someday you will make one of your own, if you haven’t already, being a very talented engineer.

[@Aristo12]

So much technology and not a single microcontroller to be seen! Very interesting!

[@donhouse2920]

just wanted to say thank you man that was so cool the man that actually sit down and invented that mechanism had to be a genius could you imagine how long it took to construct that with them wires and weights wow it's just mind-blowing thank you so much man very cool watched it several times big thumbs up

[@nakamakai5553]

Awesome adventure and sharing, thanks! I've been in the Carrilon and clock in Beaumont Tower at Michigan State University, but it didn't look anything like this. Well done!

[@BorealSelfReliance]

That building is neat, and the clock is even more neat - Great Video!

[@Bacoprah]

very cool to see how things run especially neat for your friend to have to figure out how to maintain it! Happy New Year from PEI, Bryan

[@TheDuncandan]

We have a clock at city hall that looks similar, I don't know if it is the same workings but that is impressive. Thanks for that. Most enjoyable.

[@Wordsnwood]

Lots of stairs, and love the old woodwork on the stair rails also. thanks!

[@otaku1229]

my hometowns clock tower!!! thanks for showing never thought i would get to see inside!

[@esnam6557]

Thanks for sharing the video. It is very intersting to see Birmingham made tower clock over there

[@canaldoalexandre6562]

Thanks Matthias, very cool tour! Brasil na área!

[@edwardholmes91]

Thanks Matthias, very cool tour! It sure does loose a lot of time each week, it must be a full time job for your friend keeping it all maintained.

[@Tazameir]

Very cool! I have never seen the inner workings of a large clock like that. Thanks for posting this one. Too bad I did not live closer, as I have a bucket truck!

[@Slugsie1]

Very interesting. But your friend saying that they've not had to change the CFL bulbs yet as you focus in on a CFL bulb not lit... ;)

[@WesleyTreat]

And, clearly, it has not been changed. :)

[@Slugsie1]

Wesley Treat, Maker of Things Good point

[@barryelitchfield]

In case y'all up there in Canada haven't heard ...... They're making these new fangled Light Emittin' Diodes (LED's they call 'em here in Texas). These here LED's has left them CFL screw-in light bulbs in the dust, so to speak. Maybe y'all could smuggle some in across the border?

[@mcearl8073]

Slugsie I was thinking that as well.

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

Thanks! Very cool. Loved the walk up the stairs starting at the first floor...I am always curious how people get up to bell towers, steeples, clock towers.

[@369dusty]

Fascinating !! What workmanship there is. Very interesting !

[@jbz3]

The paddles are a governor

[@gsp0113]

Enjoyed this thoroughly. Will have to watch a couple more times to better process all the information and visuals. Really interesting.

[@johnsenter4217]

WOW !! WOW !! The videos just keep getting better and better Great video

[@zer0b0t]

I like the silent walk you make going up. So how did the glass cracked?

[@Cavalier_Steve]

This was truly fascinating thank you and Jamie for showing us around.

[@63256325N]

A lot of thought when into the building of the clock, amazing. Thanks for the tour.

[@xxHONDA01xx]

Very cool Matthias, great video, looks like fun!

[@JohnJCouture]

Great Tour. Thank James for the opportunity. Funny, I was looking on images.google and could not find any pictures of the Bell taken from the street. Guess it is pretty well hidden.

[@toodloo]

it's here: www.google.ca/maps/@45.225744,-76.1950469,3a,15y,213.66h,120.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgBkB24dMHs3Qm3yPfeoBfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[@Mirgy]

Hey Matthias, thanks for sharing this video! I have always had an appreciation and fascination of the design behind clocks. It was super cool to get a behind the scene video seeing how maintenance is done for enormous clocks.

[@Nono-hk3is]

That was awesome. Thanks for the tour!

[@christopheleblanc9175]

very cool ,,, ,neat to see and get explained like that, true and honest, no script there , thank you and your friend for sharing

[@nikonprofessional5286]

For those tight spaces Wandel, Nikon makes a 16-24 wide angle zoom :) Just sayin... f/2.8 for those tight spaces! I love old towers!

[@pyrotechnik9022]

I bet someone was using the bell rings to tell time there and now they are confused

[@schwarzarne]

With 10 minutes a week they would be pretty wrong anyways :-D

[@mothman.industries]

Eh, if 10 minutes a week bothers you, you're working too hard. Slow down and enjoy life a bit. :)

[@pennyroyal3813]

Great tour Matthias.

[@SKINxSLAYER]

All right Matthias. Let's see you build one!!! That's cool too see vi rage time work.

[@MrEvanspa]

I find it cool to see the clock maintainer wearing a first gen Pebble smartwatch. Nice!

[@toodloo]

And I'm angry I can't replace it when it dies!

[@johnbrice4146]

I really liked the fail safe handle for the weight. The is a real sophisticated piece of mechanical engineering.

[@HamishMackenzie7]

Next, you should tour the Almonte Hydro works, or the textile mills.

[@Beakerzor]

wow, so does the weather affect how fast the bells ring? high pressure days make it ring slower? or humidity?

[@callmezucc9318]

I think its cause the wood absorbes the water making it heavier

[@JCLoony]

I've never heard any difference, so if there is one it's small.

[@Beakerzor]

Jared Young thanks, good to know

[@marko3296]

Where do you put the Caesium ?

[@jo2lovid]

e.g John Not sure, but the plutonium goes back to the future.

[@lancesurgeon7614]

Thanks. Wish you would have shown a close up of the plaques on the clock frame. I can pretty much make out the left one, is there any writing on the right one? I couldn’t see any in your video.

[@RickRabjohn]

Oh man - now you have to build one of these Matthias :-)))

[@HobbyOrganist]

These clocks are very cool, once in a while one from Europe comes up for sale on Ebay- just the mechanism not the dials and hands, for about $5000 to $8000, I'd have one in my house if I could spend that much, I could listen to that tic toc sound all day long and never get tired of it! I used to think those gears were just sand cast but it turned out to not be the case at all, they are individually made on a gear hob machine that cuts one tooth at a time using a special template so each tooth is exactly the same and spaced the same as all the others. There are videos showing how it's done.

[@BrandonFrancey]

Huh, Almonte is not to far from where I'm going this weekend. I'm not going to make it to Almonte, but interesting to see something relatively close.

[@ronyerke9250]

You guys should have brought up some replacement LED bulbs with you. At least 1 of the CFLs was burned out. Interesting field trip, I wish I could have gone up there too.

[@WildmanTech]

Fascinating! Thanks Matthias.

[@tinkeringrocks]

This was AWESOME. Thanks Matthias!

[@parjacpar3077]

Thanks for sharing and very interesting Was it made in Birmingham UK or another Birmingham ?

[@toodloo]

In the UK.

[@EngineeringVignettes]

I would hate to see that service call bill ;^)- Thanks a lot for the tour, very neat. Cheers from the west coast. - Eddy

[@kinnajppe_140]

Hey Matthias, i am planning on building a bandsaw and consider buying your plans. But i was wondering, why you didn't mount the lower wheel directly onto the motorshaft. Would you recommend using a belt, or would it work just as fine, if i mounted it directly on the motor? I see that you can adjust the speed using a belt and pulleys, but i am planning on using a vfd anyways, so i can control the speed to cut metal aswell. Would be awesome if you could help me out. Love your content!

[@matthiaswandel]

motor runs much too fast.

[@sapelesteve]

WOW! What an amazing clock mechanism that is. What year was it made, how heavy is it & how the hell did they get that thing up there to begin with? Very interesting................

[@bugevolution7027]

It's just very cool, the mechanism is very clever, and the sound...

[@jklawrence1]

Yep, spotted W F Evans, oringally Handsworth based firm in my hometown Birmingham, UK. Just another great vid Matthias, and interesting you didn't pursue the fact he dropped the bell peg back in at 5 when it said 16:16h on your friends watch - graciously comment once then let it go!!

[@toodloo]

I reset it afterwards. You have to cycle through 12 hours, so it takes a while, there is no rewind.

[@Jerbod2]

Matthias you should come to the Netherlands for example and look at the clockworks in the churches there, or the woodworking for that matter. It's quite incredible, the Netherlands has a very high concentration of medieval churches so you really go back in time. Ours for example is from 1335, America wasn't even discovered back then :)

[@Tugmun11]

Matthias, you have the koolest videos Thanks for Sharing...

[@RustyCarnahan]

This is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@AzureFlash]

This would be the coolest place to sit down in a corner and read a book

[@musicallament]

Hey Matthias! I've noticed it's been a long time since you took up a larger project. I sense that something has changed. Hope everything is OK with your life and your family. Looking forward to some of your genius put to better use.

[@ron827]

A new wood post with metal reinforcement can be seen at :43 and then the pendulum notch can be seen at :53. It is good to see the old building is being cared for adequately. I assume a high quality fine synthetic oil is used for lube so temperature change has a minimal effect on the time. Thanks much for a much appreciated trip to the bat and pigeon free belfry.

[@toodloo]

Yes, we have a small bottle of synthetic tower clock oil. The gears turn slowly, so they don't need oil, just the bushings.

[@blhale1]

The Bromo Seltzer clock tower in Baltimore Maryland is another very interesting gravity driven clock with 4 24' diameter dials. It was just fully restored recently but no bells.

[@averypogfrog]

Really interesting- fascinating to see a clock like this. Also, it's impossible to make a bad video based on what earnest Canadians do all day!

[@greenhorntenderfoot9261]

Very cool. LL bean in Freeport Maine has a really interesting clock too.

[@revd]

Hey Matthias just a heads up. With closed captions on at 9:10, I think it misinterprets your friend saying "oof" and puts an expletive instead.

[@derek-sings]

I love this type of content. Keep it up!

[@allluckyseven]

Can't wait for the wooden version!

[@xianshengxu998]

The next video, making the clock?

[@timeintheuk]

Had a great idea today . I’ve got a broken drill 12v cordless I renewed the motor and added a 12v led g12 bulb to make a torch

[@ecrusch]

That was a very cool video. Old school technology. Thank you.