Clock to make in the desert?

Question

I have relocated to Doha, Qatar (near Saudi), and of course had to leave my lathe , mill and 20% completed 1/4 scale traction engine behind, and I am missing it. I am seeking ideas for a project that would be possible out here. No model engineer supplies, 20" RSJs are easy to find but 1/4" silver steel possibly not. So it needs to be something not too heavy, where I can get most or all the supplies in one hit when back in the UK. A clock sounds good, can anybody recommend a good starter clock, kit suppliers, web sites? I want to 'make' it, not assemble a kit of machined parts. A mini lathe may be on the cards, so turning is OK, and probably can do simple dividing using excell and paper strips around the chuck. What I do have is time!

Any ideas welcome!

Andrew Mawson · Accepted Answer

Dead easy:

A tall stick set vertically in the sand. A series of observations whilst listening to the pips on the BBC world service. A series of markings in a circle where the shadow falls when the pips squeak

...jobs a good 'un

AWEM

Magnum · Answer

If traditional clock-maker's metals are not easily available, then consider making yourself a clock from a sack of potatoes.

Why?

Well, when I rolled into work late one day at 09:15, the boss told me that I should get a potato clock. | | | | | | | | (Pun explained below for the hard-of-hearing) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The pun is "get up at eight o'clock"

Cliff Coggin · Answer

It's a good job you have plenty of time. You'll need it to read all the books essential to a knowledge of horology. On the other hand if you want short cuts, search for John Wildings book on making a simple clock, (I forget what it is called at the moment). The result will be an ugly but working clock, which will either put you off permanently or encourage you to make a proper clock.

Cliff Coggin.

Nobby Anderson · Answer

Thought you were going to say he helped start your collection by givingyou the sack...Nobby

steamer · Answer

--Howzabout building a synchronome?

Nigel Cliffe · Answer

This one might be appropriate, few specialist parts, and works in the sun. Might need some adjusting/calculations so it can work in Saudi and back in the UK. - Nigel

Tony Jeffree · Answer

The obvious thing with all that sand available would be an oversizedegg timer - just turn it over every 12 hours  ;-)Regards,Tony

Duracell Bunny · Answer

I was in Yemen in 86/87I chose to build a replica model sailing ship to pass away the hourswhile not working. Kept me occupied for a long time. You can get kitsin any good model shop, make sure you also purchase any tools (mostlygood knives) that you'd need to complete it. And accept that youprobably will not be able to bring it home when your tour is over :(KarenIf you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.'Catherine Aird

Clock to make in the desert?

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