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Expert: - 2/23/2011


Question
QUESTION: I have an old Wm Gilbert mantle clock. The clock ran perfect until a recent move. Everything is working fine except the gong.
If I hold the part that counts the hours and turn the gear above that the hammer will strike. Can you tell me how I can fix this problem?
Thank you,
KC

ANSWER: KC, I'm afraid that the problem can be the cause of a few different adjustments.  Without seeing it I could not guess what is causing the failure.  It would take a clockmaker looking over your shoulder to tell you what to do.  Sorry I could not help you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



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

QUESTION: Well, I have it going but now it won't stop! I've learned to work on clocks on my own and I am sorry I don't know what all the parts are called. The lever on the count wheel get to where it should stop it goes real fast and keeps on going. Can you tell me what causes this and how to fix it? I am good at understanding directions, I just don't know what the parts, levers are called. The cloc was made in 1908. I hope this helps you a little bit.
Thank you,

KC

Answer
KC,I would like to help you as much as I can.  Many times each adjustment you make affects another.  The only way I can advise you is to go through the whole process of the operation of the strike mechanism, which is too much for correspondence.  But we can try a few things. In the clock classes I used to teach it would take at least a half day of hands-on instruction to learn the adjustments on the strike mechanism.  Also there are a couple of different approaches the manufactures of these different brand clocks would take.  Have you bought any books on clock repair?  If you are interested in continuing clock repair, I will be glad to give you some steps to continue. If you will, please contact me at my shop email address below.  That will free up the Allexperts question queue, as I have a daily limit to the number of questions allowed.  I will be on "vacation" for the next few days but I am not going to sign off from Alexperts, as I will have my computer with me.  And I ca answer follow-up questions from Allexperts.  Actually I am leaving in a few minutes for a clock convention in Daytona Beach, Florida, where I will be giving a lecture on "Starting and running a Clock Shop", and demonstrating some tools and techniques for clock work.  I wish you could attend.

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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