Banjo weight trouble.

[Chris]

I noticed on the Curtis banjo I've been working on that the weight cants forward at the base. As it descends, the tilted base touches the metal cover behind the pendulum. It seems like it's somewhere in the pulley or the weight. How do I proceed? I reversed the weight to see if that would help, but then it doesn't travel properly.

Help appreciated greatly.

[Chris]

I noticed on the Curtis banjo I've been working on that the weight cants forward at the base. As it descends, the tilted base touches the metal cover behind the pendulum. It seems like it's somewhere in the pulley or the weight. How do I proceed? I reversed the weight to see if that would help, but then it doesn't travel properly.

Help appreciated greatly.

[Scottie-TX]

Never worked on a banjo and only have a smattering of what their weight looks like. However I see this basically as a gravity problem. I can't see the pulley having anything to affect it. The pulle is simply that from which it descends. The problem is likely that the weight hook is not dead center on the weight. Can the hook be bent slightly? If so, I'd bend the hook slightly toward center until the weight hangs vertical. If tilt is in excess of bending, you may need to consider - re seating the hook on center.

[lamarw]

Hi Chris, I agree with Scottie. Some of the old banjos can be a tickle to level on the wall. You may want to try placing a small glass bubble (thingee you place under glass table tops) or a small inconspicious wedge under the bottom back between the case and wall to tilt the case bottom for free weight travel. Probably will not take much and will not be noticable.

That is unless you have the wrong weight that does not fit the travel tunnel.

[shutterbug]

I run across this a lot, especially when putting clocks on pegboard. If the top does not touch the wall (or whatever you're hanging it on) the bottom WILL, and cause the very problem you're describing. Putting something between the bottom and the wall is the easiest fix.

[Chris]

Well, I took the long way around this one. Taking your suggestion, I hung it on a different wall, which was built this year. I checked the wall for level and then looked at the case; it was tipped forward at the top as you hinted. The reason was the hanger; it had become bent over time. I removed it and hammered it flat again to level the clock.

With that done, I started on the weight. I lowered it to the point where it touched the metal plate. I noticed the base was still tilted forward and rubbing both the pendulum and plate. I set up a pulley and cable on my desktop stand and hung the weight. With a level, I could see the weight was tilting forward even out of the case. I adjusted (bent) the hook on the weight back enough to get it to hang level. Back in the clock, however, it hung better, but the right corner was jutting forward. So, back on the test stand, I adjusted the hook for that too. Now, with the case level and flat against the wall, the weight descends as it should.

My final question. I noticed early on that the hook had some movement to it. How can I secure it? Propane torch and solder? Propane torch and heat the lead?

[Scottie-TX]

By hook or by crook - I knew you'd do it somehow. CONGRATS! HOOK worked!.
Certainly we'll wait for others' opinions but first, I try to screw it further into the lead. Failing that, "yes", I believe you could reheat the lead around it - form a fresh pool and new seat. I see using a "third hand" to hold the hook in position during process. You could also drill and sleeve the weight, installing a new hook.