Re: How do clocks (w/ gears) work?

Dawn,

I could try to explain to you how clocks work, but I found a website that will probably do a much better job than I could. Go visit http://www.howstuffworks.com and they have a great description on how pedulum clocks (grandfather clocks) work. They also briefly explain how wind up clocks and watches work (basically the same, except they use a spring instead of a pendulum).

Also, a personal tip from me: The best way that I've found to find out how something works is to just take it apart! There is no substitute for actually seeing everything first hand, being able to look at it up close, and see how everything works together. For your project, I would suggest buying an inexpensive wind-up alarm clock. Make sure it's wind-up, and it doesn't have a battery, or it will be quite different inside. I'd also suggest buying a fairly large one so you don't have to deal with very small parts. Use the website as a reference, and carefully take the clock apart and see for yourself how it works.

Good luck on your project!

Your Mad Scientist,
Mike Scannell