Expert: John Newman - 11/15/2011

Question
Mr. Newman:
I found out about you while searching for some on-line information on our "King Arthur" floor grandfather clock. I didn't know your a master clocksmith, wow. The clock was given to us by our inlaws, nothing wrong with it, just was sitting collecting dust. It's the one with the moon dile, narrow in the middle case, & we have the origional manuel also. Well, I don't have a clue "how to" get it started up so we called a local clock shop here in El Cajon CA 92021--on 2nd street. They want some $300+ to "tune it up."

Wow, I though it would only cost some $50 to do just that, given every thing is all there--weights, chains, & pendlum. So, are they robbing us? Is there someone else you could recommend?

Next question:
We are so greatful for the clock, it is beautiful. For many years, I always wanted a howard miller "Eisenhower" floor clock, those things retail at $6K. If we were to "trade up" for that, how would I go about it? I suppose they would take monthly payments till it was paid off? Most likly, as the Lord says, we should be greatful for what we have been given, so I will.

We live in East San Diego, El Cajon. The reason I am Emailing you is because I read a few of your articals, wow--you really know your stuff.

Answer
Rolf, first, thank you for the nice comments.  I try to help others and I do have a lot of resources that I do rely on such as a lot of reference material and the daily interaction of my Clocksmiths Internet Group.

It is very difficult to determine fees, particularly of other clockmakers.  The shop rates do vary greatly in different parts of the country and the economy of each area.  Generally,the fee in my area for cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting would be around $150.  I would say that it probably would vary from $80 to $400 over the country.  A lot of it depends on our business expenses, such as rent, utilities, insurance or if we are working out of our homes.  Even though your clock has been sitting for a while and all parts are there, it possibly could need some serious work.  I give general estimates, but can narrow it down more after inspecting the clock.  I will include below a three level set of steps for diagnosing a "Clock Not Running" to help you determine what might be wrong.

Second question.  The only way to go about the trade is to approach the seller of the "Eisenhower" clock and ask them what their terms would be on trade-in and payments, etc.




CLOCK NOT RUNNING

LEVEL 1 - SETUP.  If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  Generally, if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the right (as you face the clock).  If one weight is lighter than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the left.  There are a few other variations.  Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring which can be broken or crimped easily.  Also it needs to be "in beat", meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  This can be corrected by a manual adjustment or an auto-beat function of the clock.  Doing this eliminates the tedious job of trying to "level" the clock after it has initially been positioned on the floor to be relatively level.  If I know the model of the movement I can usually determine what type of beat mechanism it has.  

LEVEL 2 - MAINTENANCE.   This involves cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  My recommendation is that a clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.

LEVEL 3 - OVERHAUL.  This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.




I hope this has helped a little and  thank you again for the kind remarks.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama