Tid-Bit 24 - Mechanism Holders and Test Stands

Feb 2014 - work in progress - collecting pictures of various mechanism test stands and racks

Stand used by Steven Conover, as described in his book “Book 2, Tools, Tips & Projects, pages 128-9”. The special clamp used to hold the mechanism plate was designed by toolmaker Ron Pfleger. Photos of the stand and construction details of the clamp are included in Steven’s book. Steven commented: "I sometimes use a 3/16" diameter steel rod as an extra support on some movements. For example, if the clamp is fastened at the time side, the rod would go under the strike side. The rod's top end is slotted to accept the bottom edge of the clock plate, and the bottom of the rod is threaded for a brass piece which allows some height adjustment." He also commented that the stand is not used for weight-driven mechanisms.<br />
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This stand gives great access to the entire mechanism and makes it very easy to hold a mechanism at different angles. I'd call this stand just plain elegant in its simplicity.

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Stand used by Steven Conover, as described in his book “Book 2, Tools, Tips & Projects, pages 128-9”. The special clamp used to hold the mechanism plate was designed by toolmaker Ron Pfleger. Photos of the stand and construction details of the clamp are included in Steven’s book. Steven commented: "I sometimes use a 3/16" diameter steel rod as an extra support on some movements. For example, if the clamp is fastened at the time side, the rod would go under the strike side. The rod's top end is slotted to accept the bottom edge of the clock plate, and the bottom of the rod is threaded for a brass piece which allows some height adjustment." He also commented that the stand is not used for weight-driven mechanisms.

This stand gives great access to the entire mechanism and makes it very easy to hold a mechanism at different angles. I'd call this stand just plain elegant in its simplicity.

Conover3