Making a Clock Wheel for an Antique Clock - Start to Finish!

In this video, I cover the process of making a replacement wheel for an antique clock, start to finish.
The clock is a rather nice 18th-century quarter chiming table clock and the existing wheel was a poorly made replacement. The client wanted a more appropriate replacement making.
I have broken down the topics covered and linked their place in the video so that you can jump to each specific process as it interests you.
0:00 - Intro
3:01 - Wheel and pinion theory (Maths)
14:23 - Preparing cast brass
22:21 - Cutting the teeth
34:07 - Crossing out jig and marking out
37:40 - Crossing out
39:53 - Mounting the wheel
41:29 - Spin riveting
Please consider subscribing to the channel for more clockmaking content.
www.hpclocks.co.uk
Instagram @tommy.jobson
Patreon: / tommyjobson
The music in this video was recorded specially for me by the fantastic Patrick Larley. / patricklarleycomposer

[@Joedy860]

My goodness great video, not sure I blinked for almost an hr. I not only enjoyed watching your machining technique but especially enjoyed the math portion for calculating the correct module. I truly appreciate you sharing your profession with us and look forward to your next video.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you for a lovely comment, I’m really pleased you are enjoying the videos.

[@monfrig6959]

you have to be a nut job to make these small parts !!! Excellent job !

[@johnskuse406]

@@TommyJobson gg

[@georgeplayer]

​@@TommyJobsonhola, se podrá hacer una rueda de un reloj de bolsillo pequeño sus dientes muy delgados y pequeño, es que mi rueda se le rompió cuando el muelle real se salió del árbol y ahora estoy triste por que se le rompió un diente y otros están doblados no se si es posible

[@fatfuzzypotato6113]

This is beautiful. I’m a machinist and this definitely isn’t machining this is ART. You are the last of a dying breed just beautiful craftsmanship all around.

[@jupiter8544]

Those of us who are watching these videos, do not care how long it takes. Lol, most of us are here because we're ocd, detail oriented, care about precision and accuracy. Clear and Thorough, screw concise.

[@TommyJobson]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@brititalia]

Thank you for keeping our profession going!!! I have retired years ago but you have rekindled my memories! Be proud of yourself! Excellent.

[@welshpete12]

I'm constantly surprised what I find on KZbin . Absolutely fascinating , and such high standard of workmanship . Thank you for posting

[@HaraldFinster]

That's an outstanding video! Perfect close up filming, clear explanations and a beautiful result!

[@Fizzbin25]

Fun to watch, reminded me of when I was a wee baby boy. My Grandfather was a clock maker. Brought back some very fond memories.

[@stephenvale2624]

Absolutely breathtaking attention to detail!!!

[@johntwemlow6089]

I remember viewing this some months ago. True craftsmanship, loved every part of it.

[@djkulp1]

Very fine and accurate work. It is such a joy to watch such a perfectionist at work.

[@mattlee3044]

Stunning sawing accuracy. Great skill.

[@michaelsullivan6798]

That was fascinating and not too long at all. If you want to know the thought processes behind each stage, then your video is just the right length. Well done Tommy!

[@348bac]

Never anything wrong with a long video. Great work. Excellent explanation👍🏻

[@markwhalebone751]

Enjoyed the video, it took me back to being at my Grandfathers in Ireland back in the sixties, repairing watches and clocks were his trade.

[@dakellymon]

Outstanding video. Very well done, Sir. It was a real treat for me to see how this is done.

[@ccooper8785]

What a brilliant way to spend my lunch break !!!! Always a good day when the happy-tappy-stick comes out to play

[@soundcheck6885]

Excellent work, phenomenal attention to detail.

[@jamesdavis8021]

Beautiful workmanship

[@zs1dfr]

My goodness - what a labour of love. Well done!

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Really enjoyed the whole video, someone who really knows what they're doing, with a whole load of high-end tools and is prepared to share their knowledge. Much appreciated, thank you.

[@syedsayeedurrahmanzaini4221]

Great work done so professionally. Thanks for uploading this video.

[@jakehanifee8856]

I must say your craftsmanship is superb, even to this untrained eye. Thank you for posting your work. It’s absolutely fascinating.

[@ONESNZER0S]

masterful to say the least. thanks for taking the time to share so that others can benefit!!

[@rolandthomasset1713]

I really enjoyed it. The precision amazed me……Thank you.

[@davidmiller6311]

Wow!!! Beautiful work. Totally amazing. Thanks for sharing this.

[@bradleyleben7785]

Glad I found this video. Excellent job.! 👍

[@colindrakes4024]

Very informative video, excellent craftsmanship. I've not seen spin riveting done before, so that's a new technique I'm now aware of. The whole video was very useful indeed.

[@jeffs5072]

Clean precise and as close to original as possible. So much time, patience and skill to make a wheel. Makes one appreciate when you find an antique clock movement that is entirely original.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much.

[@Hawk89gt]

Amazing video, thanks so much for sharing! If I could like it twice I would! I love the attention to detail to make it match, that extra effort is amazing, and something most wouldn't do.

[@TommyJobson]

Thanks so very much. I’m aiming to make more content and to keep the quality as high as I can. If you would like to support the channel I have a Patreon page. All support very gratefully received!

[@pnwRC.]

Fantastic video! I appreciated where you showed us the steps you took to calculate the proper dimensions for the replacement gear.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidbarrier482]

I've just became inspired in watch an clock repare. Came across your site found it very interesting an educational an very intertwining. Really loved the way you explained the steps you were taking. Wish you much success. I'll continue to watch your videos . Thanks

[@adamzimmerman9459]

That is the best video out there for cutting replacement gear, wow, thanks for posting it!

[@TommyJobson]

Thanks very much! That’s very kind.

[@terryb4972]

Wonderful video and many thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@michelearcangeli509]

Amazing work! Never seen someone so precise. You have now one follower more!

[@ShevillMathers]

Fascinating-thank you for sharing your skills. Greetings from Tasmania Australia.

[@hasnainmolu5189]

Enjoyed every moment...very therapeutic. Didn't want it to end. Love the way you work. Another level. You are a true craftsman....a perfectionist. Bless you.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much!

[@ronalddebruin9009]

Great video. Loved to see how a wheel was made. Going to attend a course end of this month at a local clockmaker for maintaining and repairing (beginners stage) large timepieces. Hope to make my own wheels someday for my 24 antique clocks.

[@Gearz-365]

This is spectacular work! I wish to pursue clockmaking in the distant future (as well as model engineering and engine work), and this video helped a lot with showing how wheelcutting is done. Especially with figuring out the correct modules for different wheel diameters. Keep running like clockwork because your work is awesome!

[@bluehoo0]

Thank you for demonstrating this. I found the various procedures fascinating, and well explained. Pure craftsmanship, looking forward to further videos. Thank you again.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@bluehoo0]

@@TommyJobson I’m considering purchasing the George Daniels Watchmaking book, I am fascinated by watch and clock mechanisms. So will enjoy viewing the various diagrams and pictures. I intend to build a wooden geared clock, have seen a paperback book that shows how to make a simplified clock. If you have amazon prime there is a film on there about George Daniels called The Watchmakers Apprentice. It’s from watching it that planted the idea of making a simple wooden clock.

[@steveshroyer2988]

Fantastic Tommy! I really appreciate you talking through your decision making in the finished cut. It really helps to know not just what you did but also why.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you found it useful!

[@fredleonard1547]

Wow I wish I had access to the cutting gear you has when I was repairing clocks a few years ago. I'm well retired now but in 60s to 90s repaired many hundreds of clocks from small to large town hall type's. Many old grandfather's had damaged wheels and broken teeth that had to be replaced by hand. Lovely video thanks. Fred.

[@rogers531]

I love making things out of Brass for broken pieces ,, the pinion leaf had sheared to halfway and was sitting on the next leaf. I just happened to spot it after cleaning the mainspring. Your precision workmanship gave me a boost I needed. You're a credit to us all

[@dmmdmm5435]

Brilliant and Well done ! As a metal sculptor and welder/fabricator/ machinist I appreciate your sense of aesthetics and clear narration.

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Facinating - thank you so much for sharing your incredible engineering skills - I never cease to be amazed at what skilled humans can produce!

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much! I'm really pleased you are enjoying the videos.

[@davidrosen9715]

You do beautiful work!

[@johnedmunds3963]

Simply a joy to watch , thank you for sharing your skills .

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you that’s very kind.

[@didieryvron149]

Hello Tommy, Thanks for this great video. It's a beautiful work. We say in France: "all is in details" , your work is the proof

[@oscarzamora2911]

Mi más sincero reconocimiento por su profesionalidad Gracias por el vídeo tan detallado.

[@oliveringram3056]

Full of admiration for this guy, but in awe of the clock makers of centuries gone by, with comparatively crude tools at their disposal.

[@tejolisboa]

Very good close-up’s. Loved all the journey.

[@byOldHand]

Tommy this is great ! I did not understand how 45 minutes passed. You made my Sunday night 🐾🌿 Subscribed 👌🏻 Thank you for sharing ...

[@moviestudioland]

Absolutely WONDERFUL and spellbinding to watch this video. Thank you. I have owned these clocks via my parents.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-wz4wg3vb4s]

wow!! You are amazing and proffesional... I LOVE HAND MADE REAL WORK!!!

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much!

[@victorsmith311]

Absolutely stunning work! Thanks for sharing.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much!

[@steamenginewatt2712]

All of your skill sets and techniques are amazing ! but what I’m most impressed with is your degree of precision when you saw, file, and finish sand !! Gr8t job ….thanks for making the video !!

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you, i’m pleased you liked the video.

[@koraybiber652]

It requires so much passion.

[@JulianMakes]

Beautiful work. Really interesting to see it in long form.

[@feliciapeach]

As a Grandfather Clock (x2) owner, enthusiest & former Diamond Setter, I very much enjoyed your video & can relate to many.of the skill set, and I understand the work involved. Thank you!

[@onlyeyeno]

Massive thanks for making and sharing this content. In my opinion creators like You who share their craft and passion that makes KZbin so good. Best regards

[@TommyJobson]

Wow, thank you for the kind comment.

[@aufornvic]

Pure genius. I've never seen this done before..

[@richardevans9465]

So lucky to find this channel. just fantastic.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you so much.

[@rogers531]

Wonderful to have all the equipment you need.

[@jeffcarter5805]

46.35 of enjoyment, watching a highly skilled craftsman explaining and working at his chosen profession! I've now subscribed, and wish you a very successful KZbin channel....

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you so much. I'm really pleased you are enjoying the videos.

[@markbyrum4743]

Great vid. That was my first exposure to the spinning rivet process and file nicking to provide the metal somewhere to go! Really cool. The only thing missing was a vid of the wheel operating in the clock. Good job!

[@olgreywolf9688]

Utterly astounding. Have always wondered how such small, precise, detailed work was done. You've illustrated and demonstrated it so well, from the calculations to the end product. Thank you for publishing it here. Can't help but wonder how a clockmaker in say, 1500s, might have achieved such results, close enough to make a clock even function at all, with such primitive, non-electrical tools! I can't even put four boards together and have them all come out, "right". How you might cut a multi-toothed gear wheel and have the last two teeth 'come out' so precisely .. is, to me, an impossible feat. Fascinating, very, very enjoyable hour .... thank you!!

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Check out this video made by a friend of mine. He divides in the traditional way that would have been used before the machines we have now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3naoJKulsmYjc0

[@mcplanetariums]

Extraordinary and very well documented job !!! Well done!!

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you. I follow your work with interest too.

[@TheTubeTube2]

I really enjoyed that, beautiful work!

[@George_salve.magister]

Wow!This is not a job,this is passion!

[@eivindkofod1774]

I did enjoy that. I am not into watch making myself, but I saw the whole thing and appreciated the skills, you display

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you.

[@johnutting9615]

Nice work thanks for putting it up for us, the dividing head is still a mystery. Cheers

[@DavZell]

Fascinating process. Thank you for sharing.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mohdhaque1961]

Excellent job Jobson

[@Nanobits]

Very interesting craftsmanship, I would love to have the patience for this type of work, at least as a hobby.

[@halnwheels]

Thanks for sharing your skills with this great video. Definitely something I'd love to take on. In my earlier days, I worked with both a Shaublin 80 and your 102 that you show here. What beautiful; machines to work with. Back to watching!

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

That was a lot of work for a small gear . Very intricate work. Great job. !👍

[@mghumphrey]

Beautiful work

[@ParaBellum2024]

Hi Tommy, I saw your name in my recommendations and immediately thought of a GCSE pupil at the Shropshire school where I went to do teacher training many years ago! It's great to see that you're working with your hands and no surprise to see you producing such high quality work!

[@TommyJobson]

Small world! Thanks for getting in touch.

[@zegarmistrz2675]

A real watchmaking art. Beautiful wheel workmanship.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much!

[@cook5381]

Thank you, that was hugely interesting. I am an amateur clock repairer and have fixed hundreds of clocks, but your work is on another level, it is fascinating to see you using your skills and training in this way, showing the care and attention you put into the work. Great job!

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much, glad to be of help.

[@jakefriesenjake]

Now, can you imagine how brilliant of a man, who created the first clock? Designed and built parts using way less technology than the guy in this video? Absolutely fantastic. Great video. Thanks

[@cristiansilva7381]

What a demo of technique, preparation, tool working and precision metal piece manufacturing! Most impressive: not ALL cuts are made with a machine, and yet, the result is fantastic! Of course, you need to have the right tools, but that is taken for granted in the hands of a true artisan.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@lyubomirgeorgiev8417]

I am a professional watchmaker since 1982. I am in business. What I can say is that you are really very good and your work is excellent.

[@daniellara3385]

And this is one of the 2945 wheels, be patients my friends, incredible!!! Thanks for take your time and let’s us have a journey in your world

[@anehakansson7771]

Excellent work done here.

[@lesliebucari4096]

Thank you Tommy for the very detailed and beautiful work. I am a third generation Aerospace worker. Being a female it was really fun doing things with the older fellas that they wouldn’t let the young lads do. My grandfather gave me his old watch bench and now that I am retired and settling up my own shop I look forward to these detailed things as well. It’s terrific that most of the tools and techniques that you use we also use building the big airplanes.. we didn’t make the wheels from brass though…each airplane is pretty much hand built. Noting many things just don’t fit as well as they are engineered to. So we use our heads and make it right. A really great video and I will learn a great deal from you I think. God bless you sir.🙋‍♀️⏳

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you for the lovely comment. Good luck geetting started at your watch bench.

[@edwinleach7401]

Great video. Very nice to watch all of the tools etc. Thanks for sharing.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@P61guy61]

Excellent video. Thank you for posting from GA, USA. Fine work sir.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@1dd434]

Wow, impressive so much knowledge, great video, I learned a lot. Thank you so much.

[@TommyJobson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loricastro3772]

Amazing video, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@TommyJobson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Very nice video, lots of information, well presented.

[@jeffreyprice2982]

Remarkable! Beautiful work!

[@TommyJobson]

Thanks!

[@patbarrett9263]

beautifully done, I have often wondered what a person would do if they were refurbishing an old clock and found a damaged wheel in the train I doubt that I could make a new wheel, but now I know that it can be done. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@TommyJobson]

Thank you very much!

[@PRNadh]

Excellent work 👍

[@familyplans3788]

My Dad did his thesis in the 60's on the history of clocks , he did all the research and typed out a book , bound it and presented it , great to read it and i have always been interested in clocks , glad i found this channel and subscribed

[@TommyJobson]

Thats great, sounds like a lovely thing to have. Thanks for the sub!

[@williamyaughn3644]

Your craftsmanship is incomparable young man! A small suggestion for the hard of hearing members of your audience would be to to eliminate the whistle playing over your introduction and summation. Your words are like pearls and we hate to miss any of them. Thanks for giving so much of your life to learn your marvelous skills! Absolutely brilliant!

[@xDR1TeK]

I'm an engineer in a totally different field. I really love these skills and never knew that was available to me when I was younger. I'm always wondering how one remembers all these factors, metals, sizes, etc.. truly requires a master in one's field.

[@mattp6355]

All this amazing equipment...so neat

[@TommyJobson]

I love it!

[@slawomirmateja166]

Well done Tommy😊

[@clave9999]

Great job! Thank you very much for showing it us. Regards.

[@pierreseguier5639]

Thanks for the video. It's wonderful.

[@ReubenSchoots]

Thumbs up Tommy! Spin riveting and green loctite. That’s what I call a contingency plan!

[@TommyJobson]

Belt and braces. It’s not going to go far with that!