A look inside Dug North's clock repair workshop

As some of you know, I made a career change last summer. I decided to switch from a computer-based job to one that was more in line with my passion for mechanical things. When I was given the opportunity to learn and do clock repair as a full time job, I had to take it. It's been an exciting and busy six months for me. I'm glad I took the leap.

Another milestone was passed back in December of 2013 when I decide to lease a space that is accessible to the public. To that point, I had been working out of my work/live condo space. That was fine for doing the work itself, but less than ideal in dealing with repair customers. I had also been buying clocks at yard sales, online, and at auctions. I have been fixing these clocks up in order to sell them. Needless to say, the foot-traffic through my condo was not all that high, nor did I want it to be. So, the new studio space in The Gates Block building in historic downtown Lowell seemed like a good fit. Here's a photo of the new space:

Recently, a reporter and photographer from The Lowell Sun newspaper paid a visit to my new clock repair shop. They produced the video you see above during the course of our time together. In it, you'll see some of my automata, some of my clocks, and some of my beloved tools.

If you've got any questions or comments, please let me know. It's been difficult for me to stay as on top of this blog as I have in years past, and I'm sorry about that. As my proficiency at clock repair grows and as I get used to running my own business, things will even out again. In the meantime, I can't thank you enough for continuing to visit The Automata / Automaton Blog and for supporting my various enterprises.

-Dug North

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Dug North's post for the MAKE blog about a repurposed antique tool

I've been lucky enough to have written a few articles for MAKE magazine over the years. I've been featured in a few post on the MAKE blog and served as a technical consultant on another. Yesterday, my first post written specifically for MAKE went live on their site. As part of their Tool Tales series, the article talks about one of my antique tools, its history, and its use -- then and now. It was a fun piece to write because I got to connect several things I am passionate about: clock repair, tools, history, and Lowell, Massachusetts. I am honored to share this with the readership of MAKE -- a group that has a lot in common with the readers of The Automata Blog.

Here is where you can read Tool Tales: A Pivotal Piece of History by Dug North

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Profile of automaton-maker Dug North, his artwork, studio, and involvement with the film 'Hugo'

Check out this profile of me and my automata published by Howl in Lowell -- the city's hip arts and entertainment site. There are some photographs of me and my work, a great write up, and a well-produced video. You get a good look at my walk-in vault, its massive steel door, the workshop hidden inside, and some of my hand-tools.

Here is where you can see the full profile of Dug North titled "Invention of Dreams".

[ My thanks to everyone at Howl in Lowell for making this happen! ]

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