A Working Lego Grandfather Clock

Everyone loves a grandfather clock. The evidence is in the sheer number of designs of clocks that are out there and all the clock manufacturers that have been around for ages. Some people love grandfather clocks so much they build their own. Out of Lego, like Eric Harshbarger did.

The funny thing is, Eric Harshbarger isn't the only clockmaker. He keeps a blog detailing his adventures, and that blog has led to receiving advice from other Lego clockmakers concerning the inner workings of his timepiece.

He built the clock in 1999 or 2000. In 2003, he refurbished the gears to make the clock run better. According to his blog, the Lego clock would run for about 13 hours before he had to disassemble the gears and reset the pulleys. This is a great clock for someone who adores tinkering, but not so much for someone who has to keep an appointment. Harshbarger has managed to improve it over the years, though.

The clock even has Roman numerals in the face, although not all twelve - only the 12, the 3, the 6 and the 9. The clock is driven by weights, and one of Harshbarger's challenges was getting the weights to fall slower so that the clock could run longer.

The thing is, this isn't just a neat clock that actually works. It's kind of pretty, too. Harshbarger spent time shaping the top piece and inlaying yellow designs into the red. It looks like a magical piece from a children's story or something that is very Disney.

If you were ever in doubt, yes, you can build absolutely anything with Lego. It's amazing how these toys have evolved, now that the kids who originally played with them are all grown up and still playing.

Lego Clock

Posted by Rhonda.