Not sure where else to post. Telechron Model 700 “Electrolarm” Clock
I was over to play Santa for the little ones this day and my Son-In-Law asked me to make him a replica of the old Telechron Model 700 “Electrolarm” Clock. (Art Deco plastic alarm clocks.) I found some pictures of this clock shown in the following link. http://uv201.com/Clock_Pages/Telechron/electrolarm.htm (Not sure is posting just the picture fron the link would be OK) It has a skyscraper style and he wants it scaled up for a fireplace mantel. I think Jatoba or Walnut with contrasting birdseye maple ‘towers’ and perhaps copper or brass inlay strips. Hard to describe the ‘strips’ but if you look at some Art Deco you will perhaps know what I mean. I do not intend a direct copy but something in this style. However, I would like to make the dial face in the style shown in the link above. I have found some really nice Art Nouveau but nothing for Art Deco. Any clock folks in there that could point me in the right direction? If I had the face I think I can adapt some Quartz movement, hands and crystal. If I could draw I’d have no problem with the face! And he wants a dimmable light!
Replies
Oh man, I love those! I'm not
Oh man, I love those! I'm not sure if I've ever seen this exact style before. They're so... Empire State Building, or something.
Please post progress, decisions, tips, etc.!
-jonnieboy
Dimmable light--yes! And don't forget the big ol' toggle switch in back!
--jonnieboy
I got bunches of old toggle switches! Someplace, somewhere... LOL.
As to lighting, I think I can use the intergrated 115 to LED voltage ones if they are still made.
Now I have to find a Pot to match to make the LED's dim! Long ago I did that but I think it required a electronic circuit and home made PC board. Those were FUN days... These days you can hardly find inexpensive electronic parts.
I have a bunch of old TTL chips that, maybe (If I remember how), make the LED's follow the clock hands so you can tell the time in the dark?
I think this will be a fun project.
I love the look. Bronze stripes etc. I suspect the hard part will be the clock face -- you will need to find the right numbers etc. to give it the look. You could also do some beading in the wood and use gold/bronze leaf for the metal inserts.
Will,
I've added this to my
Will,
I've added this to my project list, with a bullet. How about a radio inside? Or would that ruin it?
Please keep me in the loop about this one.
--jonnieboy
Or would that ruin it?...
Why? It can be whatever you want it to be.
I was considering using INLACE for the inlays.
http://www.nedraspyrography.com/InLace_Inlay_Metallic-Dust_Flakes.htm
OR maybe.. Colored Acrylic strips to carry light up the tower inlay strips.
If you are considering using a antique radio.. where to put the three battries. The traditional 90-volt B battery was huge!
I can see lots of potential with taking the architectural concept to the next level. You might, for example, emulate the facade of your favorite NYC skyscraper or building. Imagine a "Flat Iron Building" clock with two clocks set to different time zones, for example.
If you "google" "clock movements" you'll find numerous dealers that sell a wide variety of movements, some mechanical, some electrical or battery-powered.
The clock face could be done in software, using the appropriate Art Deco or Art Nouveau font, printed out and then glued to a substrate prior to attaching the hands. That way, the clock could also be named the "WillGeorgeulator". ;-)
Great design... but its construction just screams CORIAN to me. (yes, 1/4" thick stock is available) It will have both the look and feel of the bakelite cabinets. As for dial faces, if you can find the correct style, but it is not the proper size, get a color 'Xerox' enlarged (or shrunk) to the size you need. Do it on HEAVY Glossy stock. If done properly, it will look like the brown markings that the face most likely had. The electric parts you will need are should be available at Radio Shack.
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)
Oh yeah!!! Corian would be sweet (although I hate to cut the stuff). Now you got me thinking about the Deco A/V box I'm designing.
And instead of the previously mentioned toggle switch, I'd go whole hog and wire in a giant knife switch on the side. And don't forget the fabric covered power wire to the plug, so 1920's.
I hope you'll post pics when you finish, I'd love to see it!
Steve W (but not SawdustSteve)
A few years ago I saw a full sized grandfather's clock of much the same design, it was quite handsome. I filed it away as something to build someday. Thanks for reminding me of it, I wish you luck with your version.
Will,
>If I could draw I'd
Will,
>If I could draw I'd have no problem with the face!< This is absolutely, guaranteed, all you need to learn to draw realism. Objects, portraits, ideas from your imagination THE WORKS ! http://www.amazon.com/New-Drawing-Right-Side-Brain/dp/0874774195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262558011&sr=1-1
I have the older addition which can be had used for less money.
There is way more to the book than how to draw. It is an exploration of how the mind and brain work. Fascinating reading even if one does not intend to draw. After taking numerous "Art" classes this is what finally did it for me.
As far as generating the face on computer that is a terrific idea. I would recommend taking the final, on disc, to a professional printer like Kinkos and have them print it on acid free card stock. That way it will be of the highest quality and will last as long as possible without fading as much.
Telechron 700
Hello, I make custom clocks for a variety of clients. Although the past few years has been pretty much devoted to Arts and Crafts style clocks, I've recently been approached to design / build some replicas from the 20's and 30's...and one of the requests was for a Telechron Electro Alarm " Skyscraper" model w/ alarm.
I've made them out of a variety of woods/veneers - this example is made out of Cherry, and the alarm mechanism is actually mounted upside down in the case with a custom dial oriented correctly for viewing. I
It has a remote off/on machined selector switch that is installed prior to glue-up, and engages the quartz movement selector toggle.
The bezel is overrcoated with automotive high-build primer and "brass leafed" , and left to oxidize to match the vertical brass trim pieces. All the pieces are attached with escutheon pins.
I've toyed with the idea of a battery illumination circuit as I don't want to have to connect this guy to the wall outlet. I've got some design pointers for an amber LED circuit controlled by a light sensor - so it only comes on in low light. But like everything else not enough time to dope these things out with all the other stuff to do.
You might try clockparts.com for alarm mechanisms - they have a pretty good selection of all sorts of quarts fit-ups.
Its a fun project, you'll enjoy doping out the proportions and doing the metalwork..
Regards,
Mike
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