OG striking WAY too fast

[Doug Campbell]

I am currently working on a JC Brown 30 hour OG. On disassembly, I noticed someone had previously scabbed 2 extra "wings" onto the strike regulator. As part of the restoration, I removed these and repaired the regulator (tightened the regulator on the arbor to give it the proper resistance). Now the clock strikes at lightening speed! Does anyone know if JC Brown originally used a 4 wing regulator? I'm wondering if this is a replacement regulator, and if I'm going to have to resolder the extra wings back on?

Doug

[Tom Chaudoir]

The fan must not be tightly bonded to it's arbor. You need that bit of "give" during sudden stops. I'm betting the train has an over power spring that wasn't in the original.

Regards,

Tom Chaudoir
Milwaukee, WI
America
150429

[doug sinclair]

Doug,

If I am not mistaken, your clock is weight driven. Do you have the correct weight on it? Can anyone tell us what would typically be the correct weight for a typical OG striking train? As has been mentioned, the fly must be affixed to the shaft with a friction clutch. If the clutch is too loose, the shaft will turn inside the fly, causing that sort of problem.

Doug S.

[Robertsclocks]

:rolleyes:Hi Doug
I had a similar problem with a Chauncey Jerome OG. Assuming that the weights are correct, I believe the lighter of the weights goes on the strike train. Good luck. Bob

[Doug Campbell]

Thanks for the responses! The fly has a friction fit, and does have "give", approximately the same amount as similar clocks I have in the shop. The weights are replacements from Timesavers. They are listed as 30 hour. Both weigh the same. I will try a lighter weight on the strike train. Failing that, I will look at the mainspring.

Doug

[jimkatzin]

It seems to me that the problem can only be one of two things, given that the weight is designed for a 30hr OG at about 3 lbs. Either the fan is too loose on the arbor (probably not, because you've already verified that the friction is the same as similar clocks in your shop) or more likely, the fan was replaced with one that is too small. The extra wings were no doubt soldered on to compensate for the mismatched size. I would try to find a movement with the correct fly and copy it. They are not difficult to make. If you have the correct fly, a half pound either way won't make a significant difference.

[doug sinclair]

Doug,

There was a similar discussion on this board a year or so ago. As I recall it was a wooden movement. The discussion pertained more to the run time of the clock rather than the speed at which it struck. The problem with that particular clock was the size of the cable drums. However, a drum of the wrong size (i. e. too big) should affect both run time and the rate at which the clock strikes. Have you checked the strike train to see if it actually does run 30 hours? Do the drums both look original, or might one (or both) have been replaced? As I recall, the clock that was discussed here with the run time problem had a non original drum.

Doug S.

[Doug Campbell]

Hi All;

Phil: I can't believe I did that! The clock, of course, is powered by weight. No mainsprings. This comes from responding as soon as one has gotten out of bed, and not had his morning coffee yet!! Doug S: The barrels and the rest of the wheels appear original. The only part which is questionable is the fly. I have tried a lighter weight (slightly over 1 lb.) on the strike train and the clock has a reasonable sounding strike with this. I am going to order a 1 lb. weight which is listed as an OG alarm weight, and run this on the strike train. Thanks again to all.
Doug

[MikeP]

Obviously it would be best to try to compare the fly/weights with a known original clock of the same type. IF the fly is not original, that may be the problem OR the weight may be wrong.

The solution I would select using the present fly would simply be to try some test weights (use a can with sand or whatever) until you achieve the strike rate that seems right. Then make or obtain an appropriate weight. The best weight is the minimum that will ensure proper operation. Any heavier just causes excess wear.

[john brendel]

Doug,
There are three other locations in the strike train that can influence the rate of strike. The count wheel washer has three prongs which can be used to adjust the count wheel tension. Increasing this tension will slow the strike. Also there should be a spring on the count wheel lever and one on the strike lever hammer. Increase the tension on these and you will also slow the strike. John

[jimkatzin]

There should be as little resistance as possible through the strike train. Use a weight that is slightly heavier than the minimum needed to consistently drive the train. The count wheel washer should hold the count wheel firmly, but should not restrict its free turning. Too much tension on the hammer will cause undue wear on the strike pinwheel. The count wheel lever on OG's typically drops by its own weight, not with a spring. The only thing that should be used to limit the speed of the strike is the fly. Correct this and your problem will be solved.

[jacks61fd]

Doug
Is it possible the whole lantern pinion(I assume) is loose on the fly arbor - slipage here would give the same results as a loose fly, which you have stated is secure. JACK