Expert: John Newman - 9/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: we were lucky enough to have just purchased a used hermle black Many thanks.

ANSWER: Brenda, try again.  Your question was not completed.

John Newman

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Apologies!  I don't know what happened.  The clock keeps perfect time, and chimes as it should on the quarter, half ect.. in the correct sequence, our problem is when it plays (Westminster chimes!) it sounds like a bunch of stray cats wailing!  It seems like the notes are there, but it is playing them out of sequence. Is there any way to correct this?  Many thanks

Answer
Brenda, by your description I am not sure what is going on.  First, I might need the model of the movement.  However, if it is a Westminster (only) it would probably be a Hermle 451 or possibly a 461 or 471.  If it is a triple-chime it would probably be an 1151, or possibly and 1161 or 1171.  There are probably a couple more of the floor clock models, but those are the most popular.  If it any of these, the following would probably would apply.  Since you mention the Westminster, let's look at the first quarter sequence.  The hammers should hit the rods #1, #2, #3 and #4, starting with the back one as #1.  If this is not happening, the chime sequence could be out of sync.  This could be caused by something slipping, such as the intermediate wheel (gear) on the back of the movement.  It has a set screw that is loosened to set the chimes up in sequence.  If this needs to be done, I will have to instruct you on how to align it.  If this is a triple chime movement, it could be that the chime selection mechanism is out of alignment and the chimes are playing between selections, tripping hammers from both tunes and even skipping some.  That adjustment is even more complicated.  Now, as far as the "wailing cats", I'm not so sure I can relate to that problem!  The only thing I can offer to do is to align the chime hammers with the rods:

First, the chime sound board and chime block screws should be very tight,  Any looseness will cause diminished sound and quality.  For the preliminary set up, each chime hammer at rest should be positioned approximately 1/16" to 1/8" from its chime rod.  The center of the hammer head should be in line with its rod and parallel to the line of travel.  Another way to look at it is that it should not be angled off to one side.  Pull the hammer back one hammer length and release it.  Id should give a solid strike without double-striking or thudding.  If it does this, the hammer wire needs to be formed back a little.  If the volume is reduced too much, it needs to be reformed back a little.  Do this with every one of the chime hammers.  When you have completed this sequence, turn the minute hand around until it chimes on its own.  As the chimes will possibly lift differently from when done manually, they might need a little more find tuning.

The strike hammers will be done in a similar way with this exception.  The four hammers all strike at the same time making the adjustment a little different.  If 3 of the hammers are at the proper rest position and one is resting on its rod, when it is formed back the other three will move closer to their rods.  They will have to be formed back.  This will now possibly put the first one out.  The procedure is to form each a little alternately until they all strike with good volume and do not double-strike or thud.

Good luck and let me know if this does not do it or you have any more questions.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama