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Clocks, Watches/pendulum hits cabinet

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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
I have a Andover wall clock which has an electronic pendulum.  The pendulum is independent of the electronic clock movement.  Its swing is made by a magnet pushing on the pendulum arm.  the pendulum swings so wide, it hits the inside of the cabinet at the extream side of its swing.  I make sure the clock is plumb but regardless, it swings to wide.  How can I limit the movement of the pendulum.  the 'adjustment' at the bottom is just for show and does not change the length of the swing.

Answer
Norman, I have had this problem many times before when replacing movements.  Sometimes a smaller or heavier bob helps, but you have to experiment.  Some bobs are hollow and I have added weight using BB's or lead shot.  I have even tried reducing the size of the magnet, but that doesn't seem to help.  I have seen some factory clocks with clearance slots cut out of the sides.  That's about all I can tell you.

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

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)  

Clocks, Watches

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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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