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Clocks, Watches/Howard Miller Grandfather clock

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Expert: - 2/11/2010


Question
QUESTION: My Grandfather clock does not chime at all.I was in a hurry one day and wound the clock forward after which I remembered I was suppose to go backwards or counter clockwise. The middle weight drops but not the left or right weight now and no chiming at all.I sure would love to hear it chime again.Thank you I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

ANSWER: Theresa, there are a couple of different thoughts on the direction in which to set a clock,  It really depends on the clock.  There area some older clocks that cannot be turned backwards.  Most of the modern production clocks can be turned either way.  If turning forward, it is best to turn it lightly because the clock will start chiming while you are setting it and the chime mechanism can lock and stop the hand.  If this is the case, just move the hand back a little and then forward.  In your case, now that you have a locked condition, look in the top of the clock from the back or side panels and see if any of the chime or strike hammers are not in alignment at rest about 1/16" away from the rods.  If they are, gently pull back on all the hammers of that side.  On the chime side you might have to rock the chime drum (round cylinder or cams on the back of the clock) a little forward and backward.  If this doesn't do it et back with me and we'll see what else we can do.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


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

QUESTION: Dear John, I rocked the chime drum ect.still no bong and a little chimes at different times.No sequence.A little more info. I've had the clock for about three years and it's a Howard Miller Filmour Floor clock.Thanks again for your time and help.

Answer
Theresa, there are a few things that could be wrong, but I'm at a loss right now.  Would it be possible for you to send some photos to my shop email address?  I would like to see one of the face of the clock, and some of the back of the movement, directly from the back if there is a panel to remove, or one from the right side door in the hood and one from the left side.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)  

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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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