clock testing stand – Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

What is ideal is one clock stand for servicing and testing all clock movements but unfortunately, there are so many different types and styles of movements that one size does not fit all.

I have written an article or two on test stands in the past but consolidating all my testing stands into one article might help the reader decide which one would work best for them.

Testing the Kienzle movement on a makeshift test stand

For the first one, I made a makeshift test stand out of scrap wood and what I like about this one is that if I require more holes to mount a movement, I could simply drill them where I need them. But I also like the idea of using it for those mantel clocks and small wall clock movements with seat boards.

This particular one has clamps so, mounting a movement is very easy since each clamp has a center horizontal groove. Once the height has been set, simply screw the clamps into the vertical rod. It takes seconds to mount a movement. The brackets are adjustable to about 10 inches.

*Junghans B11 movement on the test stand*

This test stand, called “Gene’s clock testing stand”, is very versatile. The movement can be mounted as I have done in the photo or bolts can be inserted through clock plates and into the cutouts as in the photo below.

This is the same Gene’s stand as above but made for longer pendulum leaders. The home-made extension measures 18 1/4″ high by 9″ deep by 9 1/4″ wide. The bottom part is adjustable and fully detachable.

Clock stand painted — *Clock stand for tall case movements*

Finally, this is a 48″ stand for hall clocks or grandfather clock movements. It can accommodate two or three movements but I do not work on more than one tall case movement at a time. When used for testing purposes I anchor the stand to a wall to help eliminate sympathetic vibrations.

Clock stand one rail on — *Clock stand rails*

The stand is made of pine while the rails are constructed of yellow oak.

Every horologist should have at least one or more sturdy clock stands for testing clock movements.

Once you begin working on clock movements in earnest you will learn that a testing stand is indispensable and as you repair more movements one type will not be sufficient.

Those involved in clock repair must use a special stand for testing tall case clock movements. There are many varieties of stands most of which are home-built though commercial ones are available in the $2-300 range.

Early last year (2020) I purchased a Scottish tall case clock. Those familiar with English bell strike movements know they can be tricky to work on and a test stand certainly helps to fine-tune the movement. I did not have such a stand and wondered whether to buy one or construct one. I was a bit put off at the cost of a factory-made stand so I decided to put my limited carpentry skills to use.

The test stand is in use prior to the finishing touches

Premium 2 X 4’s leftover from a previous job were perfect for this project. The term “premium” means extra cost because they are kiln-dried and guaranteed to be straight. My plan was to construct a 2 X 2 box frame with 4 legs but to do so I had to rip the 2 X 4’s in half. I put my old trusty table saw to good use.

The stand is 48 inches high held together with wood screws

The boxed-in base section (my idea) adds to the stability of the stand. I added two fitted removable hardwood cross pieces to support virtually any tall case movement.

Clock stand two rails off — Clock stand rails made of yellow oak and sprayed with clear lacquer

Tall case clock stand, both rails in position

The rails, made of yellow oak are strong and heavy. They do not require nailing or screwing to the top of the stand as the combined weight of both the movement and heavy weights is sufficient to provide stability. Clamping the movement board to the rails as per the first photo is an option.

After using the stand for a week I discovered that the movement was stopping when the weights descended to a certain level. Upon researching the problem I found that the stand must be securely anchored to a wall or similar rigid structure so as to eliminate a phenomenon called sympathetic vibration which occurs when the pendulum and weights are at the same height, and begin to move in sympathy with the pendulum, around day 7 of the 8-day cycle. In fact, all stands used for tall case clock movements should be anchored.

This stand will handle two movements comfortably and perhaps a third but I don’t see myself working on any more than one tall-case movement at a time.

Leftover paint (Espresso) from another job gives it a classy look. The result is a very solid, stable, and attractive tall case test stand that will no doubt last for years.

Tag: clock testing stand

Clock testing stands for most purposes.

Refinements to a tall case clock test stand

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