Clock Chimes:

These are the chimes of some of the clocks I haven't yet added to the site. Once they've all been photographed and organised on their own pages, these tunes will be with their respective clocks, but in the meantime, consider this a sneak peek!

Ingraham Black Mantle Clock
Chauncey Boardman Wooden Works Clock


About me:

I'm 23 years old, I live in Cornwall Ontario Canada. I like to do clock repair in my spare time, as a hobby only (for now). Above, are the links to my ever-growing clock collection. I actually decided to make this seperate website entirely for my clocks.

Clocks are my passion. I don't know exactly why, but I've loved old clocks since I was very young. My grandfather used to be a clock and watch repairman, so I like to think that the interest was passed down from him. It's too bad he isn't around, because I'm sure he clould teach me a lot of intetresting things about clock repair. He mostly did watches, and I also have another great uncle who does watch repair. I have some of my grandfather's tools, which is nice.

I purchase most of my clocks on eBay. I don't like to pay much, because I go after the clocks that need a lot of TLC (or ones that are a great bargain!) Some of the clocks above were badly painted, or had very bad/peeling veneer or finish. Some just needed to be cleaned and oiled. I preffer early american clocks, especially anything pre-1860.

I owe a lot of my repair skills (and general clock interest) to my very good friend Larry. He is the one who encouraged me to disassemble and clean my first clock. Since then, I have cleaned and repaired MANY. I still can't do any major repairs (aming new gears, adjusting escapements, etc), but I hope to be able to do them one day. I would also like to thank all the nice people fron the NAWCC message boards for answering a whole bunch of my clock repair questions.

I always try to take a "Do no harm" approach when it comes to clock repair. If I don't feel confident that I can repair a clock, I will leave it alone. I will only strip and refinish a clock if the original finish is badly deteriorated. As much as possible, I like to stick only to original materials and techniques. This includes the use of hot hide glue, traditional shellac (applied with a brush, then hand polished), and fasteners like old slot head screws, and square nails.

When I clean a clock, I usually start with the case. If the case is in need of cleaning, refinishing, or repairs, I do that first. Then, once the case is ready (and free of dust) I will go ahead and clean the movement. It is especially important in clock repair, to make sure the case is free of dust, and holes where dust could enter the case. Dust is a clock's worst enemy, and will cause wear to occur sooner. Many clockmakers simply clean the movements without thoroughly cleaning the interior of the case.

I don't own any fancy tools (yet), or use any high-tech equipment, just a lot of old fashionned 'elbow grease'. I use a mixture of ammonia and dish soap to clean all the clock parts, and polish (Brasso) for some the other pieces (pendulums, gong bases, etc). I also use very fine steel wool on metal parts, because it's important to remove all rust (or it will only spread to other parts).

I like to polish-up old screws, and reshape bent wires. As much as possible, I like to keep all the original parts of a clock (screws, washers, pins, etc), or find old replacement parts to use. Dials are kept in their original condition (unless they are too damaged, or badly flaking). I simply clean the painted dials with warm soapy water, using a soft cloth.

Contact Info:

If anyone wants more information on any of my clocks, wants to make an offer on clocks I have for sale, or is interested in contacting me for any other reason, you can e-mail me at: jcp_15@hotmail.com or track me down on the NAWCC message board (username: sooth), and leave me a comment or private message.