Actually, finding a really good clock- or watchsmith these days is a
problem. The old craft is quickly becoming a lost art.
I hadn't thought of that, but I am sure you are
right what with the new fangled and/or throw away time pieces currently on
the market. I used to rely on my late father-in-law to fix all our clocks as
he was an inveterate tinkerer and collector of the old clocks. Most of the
clocks he bought at tag sales were not working because (according to him)
they had been wound too tightly and required only some sort of clever move
to restore them to good operation. He never divulged the move to me,
however. I have never had good luck working on any springy device.
For another shocker, price good, clear hardwood stock lately. Even
decent pine and even fir has become very dear!
And what you do find is not as clear as it once was.
I have been using more and more MDF in my interior trim work the past few
years. It shapes and sands so nice and I can easily duplicate existing
ornate trim very easily. I am fortunately not bothered by its dust or
binding ingredient. Of course, it is only acceptable for painted surfaces -
though it has a rather nice natural colour when finished with a clear
varethane finish. Just no grain.