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Question
i have an antique sessions mantle clock movement with broken spring,near the loop end. can this be soldered?
Bill, recently I answered a question (which I had slightly misread), and the person got back with me saying that I had replied with a "volumous" diatribe on information that he did not need.
So, my answer is NO.
In a more "volumous" answer, mainsprings are subjected to very high tension, which would not hold up to any type of solder. I have heard of some clockmakers welding or riveting mainsprings. Either they do not know how to order new ones or they have a very unusual one that cannot be obtained. If the break is near the end of a "hole end" mainspring, a torch can be used to remove the temper at the end and a new hole drilled. However a "loop end" is a little more difficult, as it has to be de-tempered, looped and two holes drilled in which to place a rivet. If there is a piece of reinforcing metal on the original loop, it has to be used also.
Now, there are mainsprings readily available from clock supply houses for your clock which are rather standard. The movement will have to be completely disasembled to replace them. I need to emphasize that I will not advise anyone on replacing or repairing mainsprings, unless they are experienced on handling them. I have instructed classes in clock repair and I equate mainsprings to rattlesnakes. If you don't know how to handle them, they can strike and bite you before you know it. I have even known experienced clockmakers that have shown me stitches on their hands as a result of a runaway mainspring. It would probably be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. If you have any other ideas, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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