New here, after some advice

[Trikky2]

Hi Folks,

Just wondering if it would be a good hobby.
I was an electronics engineer, then fell into a spiral of depression back in late 2020 which led to me walking out of my life in Feb 2021 to be homeless and sleeping rough. Have some medical issues that mean I'm not in work at the moment but thanks to a charity ( St Mungos ) I'm now in a flat.
Was thinking I need a hobby away from electronics ( I can't afford the set up I used to have, and wanted something new ).
I do love the mechanical feel of clocks, and due to my medical conditions I need something to help with dexterity.
Needless to say I don't have a lot of money, despite being more electronics I do have a good grasp of mechanics.
What I was thinking was just buying a cheap clock off of eBay and taking it apart then rebuilding it as a start, would that be a good way to start ?
Is there a book that would be a good introduction to clocks ?

Wishing you all the best.
Richard

BTW, I'm 55

 

[bruce linde]

you'll do fine.... best way to dive in is by reading the 'sticky' threads (at the top) of the 'clock repair' forum... lots of "let's get right to it" essential information... and free. there are a lot of books. i bought a bunch of them. i occasionally refer to them but am always coming back to the clock repair forum.

after you've familiarized yourself with the sticky threads, start reading every thread in that forum going back decades... you will very quickly see familiar themes, pick up best practices, etc.

as for buying a movement off of ebay? sure... but it needs to be intact and something that doesn't need major surgery (or replacement parts) from the get-go.

 

[Trikky2]

you'll do fine.... best way to dive in is by reading the 'sticky' threads (at the top) of the 'clock repair' forum... lots of "let's get right to it" essential information... and free. there are a lot of books. i bought a bunch of them. i occasionally refer to them but am always coming back to the clock repair forum.

after you've familiarized yourself with the sticky threads, start reading every thread in that forum going back decades... you will very quickly see familiar themes, pick up best practices, etc.

as for buying a movement off of ebay? sure... but it needs to be intact and something that doesn't need major surgery (or replacement parts) from the get-go.

Thanks, yep got to read through the whole forum for a while
Was not going for a clock that needed repair. Just after a cheap one that was working to take apart and put back together to get me into the feel. Will also check out the local charity shops.
Thanks again

 

[Chris.K]

You have come to the right place for info and help with anything clock related. You tube videos are a good visual helper but don't rely on them as many times I have found them leading to bad practices. Generally speaking, I only buy non-running clocks and fix them and bring them back to life as a good therapy for my time in the military. With that said, I think you will be just fine here in your quest for inner harmony. Chris.. Ps.. Clocks will make you swear sometimes.. lol.