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Clocks, Watches/Problem with chiming clock

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Expert: - 1/18/2010


Question

Chiming movement
I am having problems setting up a chiming clock. The lobes attached to the cannon pinion lift the chime flirt OK on the hour and on the quarters, but this does not release the chime train unless I manually turn the chime locking plate so that the pin on the lifting piece falls into one of the cut-outs on the locking plate.
Once I have set the locking plate manually so that the train is released, I have tried tightening the screw on the locking plate collet to fix it in that position… but the train still does not release properly at any time when I move the minute hand round a full hour.
A photo of the movement is attached - any help gratefully received!(I have marked what I think are the correct names of the pieces on the photo: I may be calling the parts by totally the wrong names and confusing you as well as me.)

And I've not even got to setting up the hammers to play Westminster chime sequence properly. I expect that to be a nightmare.  

Answer
Geoff, you are correct, it can be a nightmare if you have not been trained on the synchronization of the chime components.  The chime locking plate, chime correction cam and warning pin have to be aligned with precision.  This can be done with the chime drum disabled, by loosening the set screw on the drum drive wheel (gear).  I cannot go into this procedure, as it really takes a few hours of on-the-job training.  However it might be best to obtain a book outlining this procedure.  Your local library might have some books on clock repair.  One I use is Steven G. Conover's Chime Clock Repair.  After the chime and correction function are completed, the chime drum can be synchronized.  I do this by running the movement so it chimes and completes the first quarter.  Then I rotate the chime drum until the four first quarter notes (Descending in sequence from front to rear), and tighten the set screw.  Good luck and I'm sorry I cannot help you further.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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