Resurrecting the Phoenix Clock || INHERITANCE MACHINING
Growing up with my grandparents I was always intrigued by the mysterious wooden clock in their attic. It was in pieces so I wasn’t sure exactly what it looked like but I could tell it was an open design skeleton clock where you could see the gears and escapement. So naturally my gearhead self was fascinated. The legend behind the clock was that it was bought as a clock kit for my great-grandfather in the ‘80s. He was able to get it all together, but he passed away before he could get it fully running. So for 30 years it sat in that attic. It wasn’t until 3 years ago that I could try my hand at it, but being neither a clockmaker or horologist, I didn’t have much luck getting it to move longer than a couple minutes. But today I aim to change that!
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:31 Nearly Lost Forever
3:13 I’m No Horologist
5:46 Well That was Easy
8:13 The Great Escape(ment)
12:09 Test Cuts Prohibited
13:49 No “Turning” Back
15:27 That’s Not Wood...
17:04 A Lack of Planning
19:29 Gettin' Lucky
20:47 Fine Tuning
23:50 A New Record!
FAQ
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Editing: Final Cut Pro X
Intro Song: Way Back Way Back When (Instrumental Version) - Gamma Skies
www.epidemicsound.com/track/S...\
• Resurrecting the Phoen...
© 2023 Inheritance Machining, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
It’s been over a week now and the Phoenix has only stopped a couple times. So I’ve been making small adjustments here and there. But still, it’s amazing how one small detail could lead to this sitting idle for over 30 years… See you again on April 14th!
Well if we all know you Brandon, a few side projects later that clock will never stop!! Beautiful work as always!
Mmmmmaaaake a metal oneeee *mortal kombat theme song*
Definitely will be looking for to April 14
Clocks are the inevitable ending point of all perfectionism. They're so neat. Keep us informed as your mean time to failure increases!
I'm newly interested in horology, and the pivots, along with the escapement, are the friction points, especially the interaction between the escape wheel and the pallet forks. The forks are made from jewels in modern movements, maybe use an extra hard wood for the pivots and forks, or even brass bushings and/or inlay on the striking faces of the pallet forks? Also the runout is still too much on the escapement wheel, and why didn't you try skimming it to closer to flat?
That's a worthy heirloom. Having generations of hands on the project makes for real family history.
Very true! It's one of my most prized inherited items
@@InheritanceMachiningtime to fabricate a gorgeous picture frame to house the letter. Be sure to use UV glass
This is a truly laudable undertaking!!! 🤠👍
Very good post. I am fascinated by mechanical gadgets. I remember a visit to the British Museum in my pre-internet youth and a walk through galleries of mechanical exhibits of various gearings. As a self-made horologist, are you open to the experts you can find online?
The way you worded that made me think the clock should have an additional dial that is labled 'generations' that is currently set to '3'. Your kids could set it to '4', and so on. Lol
I dont even mind that its not machining this time, I just love anything gear-y, analog, or DIY!
Well, at least he machined a bushing. So, not all hope is left 😆 And as its name implies, it was successfully resurrected 😀👍
He's like This Old Tony- He could be talking about gardening shears for 20 minutes and it'd still keep you fully invested in the video lol
What's really amazing is he didn't have to open the "disaster box" once and no side projects, other than the square gear mount, if you have to count one. Patients of Job!
@@ronwilken5219 well, I think that qualifies as a Fixture, and it wasn't exactly a complex one to deploy
Your content is genuinely some of the best I’ve ever seen, the editing is on point, the way you present and explain things is perfect for what you’re doing. Another thing is how you show the entire process of each project, from how you get an idea to drafting it on paper and then every side project along the way till the final product. Never stop creating
I very much appreciate that. Thank you!
I agree 100%.
Watching all of your episodes and knowing the history of your channel, this video is special. In a way, it has heart or at least a heart beat. Your storytelling sets you apart and above many.
This project definitely had a lot more meaning behind for me. Thank you!
@@InheritanceMachining my mom and gf both watched this video with me. As I explained the story of your channel. What a wonderful story I look forward to every video. Thank-you for telling your amazing story .
Inheritance Machining does Click spring! Excellent video. A full size brass version would be an amazing addition.
Stainless and brass would be great
This channel and click spring are two of my favorites.
Ok, a couple of things here. 1; This story is incredible, intimate, and moving. The fact that you found the book, with hand written correspondence containing critically necessary information is, well it’s almost supernatural. As if grandad reached down from heaven to lend a hand. 2; Your video editing skillz are infuriatingly good. 😂
I real stroke of luck is what it is! Also I have to give the editing credit to my wife. She's amazing! Thanks as always!
@@InheritanceMachining Give her a hug and a kiss from me. To say thank you Ma’am, we appreciate your efforts.
Also the clock is called Phoenix clock, it's as if it was always destined to be restored! The story is spookily convenient!
I really really hope you make a PDF of the manual and upload it somewhere. There’s a fair chance someone else in the world is in need of it.
that's a great idea actually!
I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure that this project has joined so many others in the "orphan" category.
@@InheritanceMachining I would love to get my hands on the drawings and turn them into CAD files and print them on my 3D printer
Oh thanks for the info!
@@InheritanceMachining you also might contact your library. They might have (or know someone who does) a book scanning machine.
This is easily one of your best episodes. Your videos aren't just about machining. They're about love for the trade, dedication to the goal and enjoyment of the process. I bet you've read Robert Pirsig's "Zen & the art of motorcycle maintenance". This clock is an amazing story because connects not only to your grandpa but also your great grandpa. Finding the manual was the cherry on top. Life is way more interesting than fiction 'coz you can't make this s*** up! What a heirloom! And maybe, just maybe, this might inspire you to make your own clock...
What a beautiful clock! I've built 3 wood clocks, none as ornate and pretty as yours .. I'm a little jealous! Graphite is your absolute Best Friend. No matter how good, wood finishes dont "slide" well over each other, and do collect dust. Graphite from a quality drafting pencil (I think you might have one) on the faces of all the gear teeth makes a huge difference in reliability. Even after "polishing" all the teeth to 600 grit, I found graphite still made a worthwhile difference. Good luck with the final adjustments! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
That's a great idea! Thanks!
I inherited an 1870’s 7’ tall long case clock in 1983, after my mother died. It has a standard clock work of the era, but it needed some TLC too. I found it didn’t enjoy an outside wall in the winter time 😢. Once I located an appropriate interior wall, it would keep time all year long. I eventually found its accuracy was superior to my VCR, of the 1980’s too. I still have it and wind it every Saturday morning. It’s a happy old clock. It’s a tribute to Robby Burns. 😊
I am really left speechless at the legacy and history that this clock has at it shows up generation after generation in your family. Its really a marvel to see how accurate those clocks were made and the fact that you got it running is even more so. I was going to say that this will be a "timeless" piece in your family for generations but I think its quite literally the opposite ;-) ...
Only time will tell I suppose... But I'll be enjoying it until it until its a pile of dust! 😂 Thank you, Charl!
@@InheritanceMachining Its always a pleasure. I hope the joke about it not being timeless landed since it literally keeps time😂
I am always keen on plays on works 😉
The whole thing is such a beatiful piece of history. Handwritten notes from the designer himself too. You rarely get that kind of thing anymore
I know... I was shocked. What a drastic difference to todays world.
Great video. I, too, have gone through the journey you describe so well. The Kassner clock is very likely based on the Thomas wooden clock plans that used to be sold in the classified section of Popular Mechanics in the 60's. I bought a set of the Thomas plans and built a clock very much like yours as a senior in high school. After college, in the 70's, I built several wooden clocks and sold all but one. I can hear that clock ticking as I type. I, too, hit upon the idea of a machine screw adjusted crutch to set the beat. If you'd like to compare notes about our clocks I'd be interested.
I love that you are continuing on where your grandparents and great grandparents left off. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your future videos!
😊 Thank you!
This is a Truly Laudable Undertaking!!! 🤠👍
This project hits me right in the feels. My grandfather passed down a beautiful schoolroom wall clock that sat for a few years with a broken main spring. At the end of one school term (I was 14 I think) I was able (with my parents help) to take it apart and fix it. It still runs! Awesome to see your hard work paid off as mine did all those years ago.
That's awesome!
@@InheritanceMachining Thanks! I told my folks that all I want for my inheritance is the clock. My siblings can have all the rest 😁
The box of shame cries out from not being filled this time. Good episode, the pocket idea was clever!
😂 Thanks!
Nice touch on the closing, a leather bound with gold leaf lettering Audels Machinists Hand Book. Really love your channel and how you include your family heritage and lore. My hat off to you Sir
Thank you 😊
Thank you for taking us on this journey with you.
my pleasure! Thanks
What a historic jewl👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 And the manual and letters are icing on the cake
Thank you! I'm so glad I could hang onto it. And get it running!
What a beautiful piece! Amazing analysis on the repair. As a side note you could, if you choose to, do the internet a huge favor by scanning that manual and uploading it for others to hopefully see in case they weren't as fortunate to find the manual
I might do just that. I don't think there are a lot of these clocks around. But I'd bet I'm not the only one that has tried to find anything on it! Thanks
@@InheritanceMachining that kind of manual would help someone like me to design and build one from the ground up. That would be awesome.
@@InheritanceMachining were you able to scan and upload?
So satisfying to fix rather than toss
It's awesome that you're completing your great grandfather's legacy.. I too am honoring my great grandfather.. for more than 40 years his 51 GMC pickup that he bought new has been sitting in an Iowa field deteriorating. I even had tried getting it going when I was in high school to drive as my first vehicle. Time passes priorities change but I now have it in my shop and have begun the restoration process. My plans are to modernize the mechanics to make it more drivable on modern roads and maybe take it to a car show from time to time...grandpa Frank lived to be 101 years old and I named the truck after him. I hope he looks down from heaven and is pleased with what I've done.
What a cool project! Good luck with the restoration/modernization!
What would be seriously cool would be making a series of videos of you making a brass/alum replica of that clock with some machinist flair lol.... that's a series I'd be interested in for sure
I have no doubt something like that is in my future 😁
Approximately 80 parts, measuring tools, drafting board and tools, a "little" free time.... 3 to 4 months? That would be cool.
I agree. I would love to see a brass version of this.
No shortcuts, No 3D printing No bull, just good old craftsmanship and using the inside of the head. Great work.
I hope this piece stays in your family for many generations.
What an incredibly beautiful piece of wooden art you have restored and the history behind it is completely priceless. Thank you so much to you and your wife for allowing us to see this amazing video. You must have an immense sense of pride everytime you look at it. Thanks again.
It makes your content even more heartwarming that you are not just putting your grandfather's old tools back in action, you're actually finishing his unfinished projects... Also, hugely appropriate name; I thought you were just calling it the phoenix clock, but that it is actually NAMED that is just mindblowing...
I was shocked when I realized that was the name of the clock. It's so fitting for its story!
@@InheritanceMachining Sometimes, life is better than anything you could have scripted! :D
Brandon, it’s hard to explain just how much of an inspiration you and this channel are to me. I recently got into machining during my first semester in college, and it’s quickly become my favorite time of the week when I get to go into that shop. I have a woodworking background, so this video in particular was really wonderful to see. Please keep doing what you’re doing, I can’t wait to go on this machining journey with you as I go through college!
I love hearing that! And you are quite lucky to have shop access at your school. Eat it up! Thanks
Mr. Jim Kassner would surely be very pleased that you revive the clock. Great work!
Loved it. Thanks for sharing the project with us!
You have become one of my all time favourite creators on youtube, I'm not a machinist but have always admired the craft. I hope you continue these videos for years to come.
😁 Thank you very much! I'm going to keep at this as long as I can!
Awesome video, and it was a shock you tried something with wood, which is surely non-standard, but as a millennial kid, I can see the value this clock holds, both historical, and also emotional, since it has been something in your family for multiple generations now. Really awesome project, I am looking forward to the next video (my personal favourites are things that make your life in machine shop easier, like the camera arm, or chuck adapter you made)
Gotta try my hand at all materials at some point 😁 Thanks! PS, I think you will like the next video as well!
What an amazing repair....and the back story of this is just spectacular
Hypnotic video. Beautiful piece of heirloom art for your wall.
New inheritance machining content. Made my Friday a win
Your relative who originally built this clock is turning over in his grave, non-concentricly, realizing now what he did wrong. You made him proud! 👏
Never heard that sentence before, yet it fits perfectly. Lol
The book at the end was a very good subtle joke
Just plain lovely at every level. My love of woodworking springs from my grandfather whom I trailed after for years as he made broken things work again.
I LOVE the sound of wood in a metal lathe
Outstanding video. This reminds me of the progression of the Harrison clocks.
Gotta love the hand-written letter with instructions. Clocks are always a treat, thanks.
Grew up listening to grandmother's cookoo clock. Amazing piece of carved wood working.
The handwritten correspondence are absolutely beautiful.
I've recently discovered your channel and I've been binge-watching from the beginning. This episode is so fascinating, and when I saw the handwritten notes from Jim, it inexplicably brought me to tears to see such care and devotion put into his work and making sure his customers were completely taken care of.😢 It made me think about how customer service and everything in general has changed in the last 30 years.
I really enjoy watching restorations like these. It’s always awesome seeing whatever was restored working once again, just like it was gotten just yesterday brand new.
Very nice, its was great to see how you found the issues with the clock. Thanks for taking the time to video this clock and sharing it with everyone.
Great story. Thank you so much for sharing.
Your videos never cease to bring me joy.
It must be a huge honor to work on four generations of projects, every family should be so in touch with their heritage. Using the surface plate for woodwork gave me a good laugh, because it's such a good idea
😂 most convenient flat surface I had! Thank you!
A machinist doing woodworking and horology. This is my favorite channel. 🖖
I'm no horologist or woodworker. But I can try! Thanks
Nice work, that looks great, especially that subtle view of the brass bushing.
Thank you! Tried to be as discrete as possible
Well done my friend. I have made several wooden clocks in the past. It was a feeling of accomplishment when they start to “Beat” on their own. It’s as though they come alive. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Oh HELL yes. New video, 25 minutes long, and I’m tucked in bed. Keep ‘em coming! (I haven’t even watched the video yet, I’m just that excited)
haha thanks man!
That is the coolest clock an one hell of a treasure your grand parents left you that is so nice. What more could you ask for. You are truly blessed.
Bravo! The personal back story, the unusual subject matter, the successful outcome. Beautifully executed in every respect 👍 🇬🇧
I really appreciate that! Thanks!
Great story! LOVE the handwritten correspondence you found, what a great treasure
not often i have been so relaxed and calm of watching a creation take shape. fantastic jobb
I have never seen one of these clocks before. This WOULD truly be a great addition to a home, and to hear that thing tick every night would be soothing. Thank you for the video sir.
A beautiful restoration! Amazing that kits like that were once available before CNC.
Thanks and very true. I would have loved to see their manufacturing operations
This one really hits close to home. I love it.
Its so awesome that you were able to find that manual.
Your content is great, it's realaxing and engagine from start to finish. Thank you for shairing your work and process. I hope to see you videos for a long time to come.
This is so pleasant and satisfying at the end to see it running properly for the first time ever! Thank you.
"Great-Grandfather" clock, in a play on words; and literally as well. Well done !!!
Beautiful clock, glad you were able to get it working!
This video is a gem and this channel is therapeutic! I've been watching all of your content for the last week and I am almost running out of videos! My father bought a small lathe years ago but we never used it and I'm itching to take a shot at doing some chips with it. Some day I'll find the courage and time to learn how to use it.
It’s beautiful. I’m happy you had the patience and skill to bring it to life.
Having built a couple of clocks from wood I must say you did a great job. Getting it that close on the first run is a real testament to the quality of your work. I have never had one be that close on the first run. Usually I set mine up to run fast and dial back until they are within a minute or two a day.
lovely video sir. right in the feels
Thanks for the story and good writing.
Your grandfather and great grandfather are happy and proud in heaven. 👍🏻
Well done! You are very skilled with tools and machines. You have rescued a beautiful piece of art. I believe your grandfather would be proud of you.
WOW!!! I have a love for clocks and have always wanted to "work" on them. But, I've been intimidated by all the mechanisms. Hm, maybe I should just jump in and build a kit from scratch. Thanks for the video and the care that you showed for this family heirloom.
Wow. Wow. Wow. Speechless. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you for watching!
as a craftsman and long-time supporter of your work, this was such a good episode. i think that subtle touch says a hundred words about history.
Beautifully made. Thank you
Excellent restoration 👍👍👍Thank you for sharing. Be safe🇨🇦
Thanks!
Aside from the realization that 1983 is now considered ancient, A very interesting and satisfying video. Thanks again.
Wow this brings back memories of a neighbor we had in the city I grew up in he had all kinds of clocks in his Garage and the tools for machining them this was one of those clocks up on the wall working it didn't have any stane on it. Then one day his family show's up and moved him I miss his collection all beautiful restored clocks
This is awesome. thank you for sharing.
I just love curling up with an old Machinist Handbook at the end of a satisfying project.
Been watching for a long time, I too have made and designed several of these all wood clocks, it's a real challenge, great job, beautiful clock, looking forward to your next project, thankyou
I love that you're a restorer NOT a destroyer! This video ticked all the boxes for me, restoring, wood and a relentless pursuit of accuracy. Awesome!
This is the first of your videos I've ever watched. I'm glad I found your channel and look forward to watching your past and future videos.
I would have never thought you would be the one to get your clock out for us! Apologies, I could not help myself. That was brilliant, the Misses even sat down and watched that one, she really enjoyed your calm tones. Thank you kindly for sharing your time (piece).
😂 Glad you both enjoyed it! Thank you
That beautiful, soft sound of those wooden gears is so relaxing.
ditto!
Loved this one. Great history back story.
Didnt know this even existed. thank you for bringing this clock to light through a video. Not only that... You made it work!
very well done. even a minute a day is great for a wood clock.
That's super cool, thanks for sharing.
On literally any other channel I subscribe to I would have passed over a clock video. In typical Inheritance Machining fashion you made a clock video interesting and tugged at the heart strings of us viewers. I comment often telling you I feel your Grandfather would be proud of how you use and love the equipment he left behind. This clock though, it could be a sore spot for him. LOL Im sure he has a pleasant smirk on his face that you figured it out after he placed it in the attic. What a wonderful heirloom and story you have shared this week. Thank you for taking the time to share this journey.
Well I'm glad you decided to give it a shot. And thank you for the kind words as always. I don't know if my grandfather ever tried his hand at it. But I like to think he would be glad to see it finally running!
Really special project; the beauty of the piece, the discovery of that manual at a trying time, your subtle mark added to the heritage of the piece, and the glorious sound of ticking when you re-entered the shop. Delighted you managed to complete a decades old project, passed through the hands of generations before becoming your inheritance (very apt!). Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
Super cool Dude! Nice way to come back into the inheritance theme. Nice way also to move into woodworking. I think many machinists and fabricators have a negative attitude toward wood but for me, it's just another material that is actually more challenging to work with - you killed it!
This was wonderful, full stop. I've always been mesmerized by grandfather clocks and thier ever calming ticking and tocking. I have a small plastic one I got given by my father as a hobby model project, but my procrastination skills will most likely leave it in the closet for many more months. Thank you for all of the effort and time you put into each and every one of your videos!
The time will come I'm sure 😁 Thank you!
I love how you say you were "forced to make a temporary pin for the shaft" as if you weren't just itching to make some chips
What a lovely clock, seems you can turn your hand to anything. I really enjoy watching your videos. You explain what you are doing perfectly, it's a pleasure to watch you work with wood, metal or on paper. Thanks for taking the time to bring us along too.
Very much appreciated! Thank you Steve!
My Grandfather made clocks in his spare time for much of his life - entirely by hand. His house was full of them. So many ticks and chimes it actually made it hard to sleep there :) Unfortunately in later life, his dementia meant he would tinker on some of his most beautiful pieces and be unable to put them back together, progressively deconstructing all those decades of hard work and dedication. Thank you for taking the time to revive this wonderful piece of your family history and for letting us be a part of it. It reminded me of the better times with my Grandfather and the incredible things he made. I only wish some of them had survived his wilderness years.
That is both a very cool and very sad story. Thank you for sharing. And also thanks for following along
Beautiful clock....thanks for sharing
Thank you!