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Wood Clocks
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here to see our selection of Wood Clocks.
 Wood
clocks are beautiful timepieces. There are great wood grandfather
clocks, mantel clocks, and wall clocks. Wood is perhaps most famously
used in cuckoo clocks. No matter what sort of wood clock you have,
you want to be sure to keep good care of it.
Wood clocks can be subject to temperature and humidity. Wood is
a porous material that readily absorbs water. Therefore, if humidity
is high, a wood clock is going to take on a lot of moisture which
causes swelling of the wood. On the other hand of this, wood shrinks
in a dry environment - this can lead to cracks, gaps in the
joints, the embrittlement of adhesives, and other problems. So,
no matter what sort of humidity or lack of humidity that you live
with, it may have an effect on your wood clock.
Wood clocks undergo even more strain if there are great fluctuations
in humidity - in such conditions, wood clocks get the worst
of both worlds. It can be impossible to completely avoid humidity
and temperature changes in your home, although you can control them
somewhat. You can avoid damage to your wood clocks by simply avoiding
extremes in humidity and temperature. In other words, be sure to
keep your wood clocks away from fire places, direct sunlight, furnace
vents, and other heat sources.
To keep your wood clock in the best possible condition, try to
keep it in a temperature of 70-75 degrees F and a relative humidity
of 40-60% during the summer. During the winter, your wood clock
should be in a room with a temperature of 70 degrees F and a relative
humidity of 35%-50%. You probably already have a thermometer or
temperature gauge, and you can also buy relatively inexpensive humidity
sensors.
Wood clocks should also not be kept in high light levels. Some
wood finishes are susceptible to darkening and fading from being
exposed to high light levels. A lot of light can also accelerate
the aging of the finish of your wood clock and give it a brittle
and cracked appearance. Therefore, you do not want to exhibit your
wood clocks in an area where bright light levels will fall on them.
Wood clocks can also be susceptible to powder post beetles. Powder
post beetles may bore small holes into your wooden clock. Therefore
you should routinely check your wood clocks (and other pieces of
wood furniture) for infestation. If you find signs of powder post
beetles, you should put your clock into a plastic bag until it can
be examined by a professional.
Wood clocks can become fantastic heirlooms that truly stand the
test of time, so to speak. It is therefore important to keep good
care of your wood clocks. Be sure to watch for signs of beetles
(although it is not terribly likely that they will occur) and also
to beware of light, heat, and humidity sources on your wood clocks.
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