Grasshopper help please

[shutterbug]

You may recall from a recent thread that I won a grasshopper escapement on Ebay at a really great price. Well ..... I got it today. I get MANY clocks from the internet, and I've never seen such a great job of packaging. Double boxed, triple wrapped in foam, peanuts galore ....... and it arrived broken. Really makes me wonder how USPS or UPS can make a profit when they break virtually EVERYTHING they touch. But I digress. The movement is OK, just the glass cover and the base is broken. I knew going in that the suspension springs were broke. I'd hoped I'd be able to figure out how to repair it from the existing parts, however I don't have enough material to know how the original springs looked. I'd GREATLY appreciate a picture of the suspension springs or a source for buying them. This is a fusee configuration. The owner stated that he'd paid $1700.00 for it. I'm not that naive, but really like the looks of it! Help .... OK? Thanks!!

[Scottie-TX]

Wull DANGGG!
CONGRATS, but; Are you gonna keep us in suspension while we hunt for you a suspension? C'mon guy! Some pixtures of yer gasflopper! Even if we can't hep, we'd LOVE to see pixtures uvvit. (Thanx!)

[shutterbug]

OK, here are a couple of pictures. It's on a normal sized chair for size reference. Still can't believe I got this for a mid $200's price! :thumb:

[rocky]

You can get the springs from Bob at Pro Clocks,but they are not cheap. You can make your own from the suspension spring material that that supply houses sell ( can't remember the correct thickness). The springs are C shaped and are held in place with a screw. If you look at the disks that the palletts are attached to you should be able to see the mounting screw for the suspension.

[shutterbug]

Thanks Rocky. I can visualize the "c" shape, but I'm not sure how big to make it. If I'm 'seeing' it right, it would allow a lapse in the escapement where the EW could turn more than one tooth before lock. Bigger than my vision would not fit inside the round housing. Do you by chance have a picture or two of how it looks both in size and placement?

[shutterbug]

Well, I dug through my stuff and came up with a pocket watch mainspring that is roughly 'C' shaped in the center. After installing this, the clock acts like it wants to run, but the spring housing on the right side is loose on it's arbor and won't release like it should. I'll tighten that up and report back.

[itbme1987]

hope you have good luck with it :thumb: i seen one running at the national over here and it looked very awesome.

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hi Shutterbug!
Congrats!That´s a real bargain!As someone stated above this clock is actually sold by Proclocks.It´s exposed on their webside with several good pics so You can get an idea of how the springs have to look like!
Burkhard

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hi Shutterbug,
how are You doing with Your "Grasshopper"?I´d like to show You another example,the springs look allmost the same like Yours.They look great when running,don´t they?
Burkhard

[shutterbug]

Well, mine's still not running :) I contacted Bob at Proclocks, and he said my model has not been produced for over two years. He's searching for springs for it. My pocket watch idea did not pan out - it's much too strong. The springs look very thin. I'd like to know the thickness. (Any help?)

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hi Shutterbug!
Yes,these springs are verry thin and flimsy!Try to google for Mr.Mercer at "Devon Clocks" in Exmouth GB.He´s the producer of mine,a nice guy and verry helpfull.I´m shure he can help You out!
Burkhard

[shutterbug]

Thanks! I'll do that.

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hi SB,
don´t know if Mr. Mercer is still the leading master of Devon Clocks.He was in his seventies when I last saw him ca 4-5 years ago.I looked on their page and found they are a part of "Future Holdings Group"whatever that means.But they still do the Grashopper with the springs.Let us know how You´re getting along with that project!
Burkhard

[shutterbug]

I looked up their web site - and now I want two of their clocks :D Pricey though! I'm not sure what the current exchange rate is. It would be nice if they had a calculator included :)
Here's the site, if anyone wants to peek at it: Devon Clocks (http://www.devonclocks.com/)

[Scottie-TX]

Man! Jes' too many movin' partz. SHEESH. I prefer KISS clocks altho I would LOVE a grasshopper sometime.
As for exchange rate - a few mins. ago on eBay $73 GBP = $114 US.
I thought the spread was wider but mebbe the pound went down or the dollar went up against the pound.
Anybody know where I can find a one wt. grasshopper Wiener? This'd certainly be one ha - yooooge weight.

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hi SB,
I´ve experiance with several of their models.If You have a question,please PM.
Burkhard

[shutterbug]

Man! Jes' too many movin' partz. SHEESH. I prefer KISS clocks altho I would LOVE a grasshopper sometime.
As for exchange rate - a few mins. ago on eBay $73 GBP = $114 US.
I thought the spread was wider but mebbe the pound went down or the dollar went up against the pound.
Anybody know where I can find a one wt. grasshopper Wiener? This'd certainly be one ha - yooooge weight.
Geez, I thought it was franks or something. Your calc's would make it WAY expensive :D

[Rick Alhadeff]

What a cool clock - looks like John Harrisons sea clock.

[rocky]

Shutterbug

I got a chance to measure the spring thickness the other day while I was at Bob's shop. The newer version is .007 and if memory serves me correct I had made a spring for one like yours from .005 suspension stock. I also have a copy of the set up adjusting instructions that I'll try to pm you. Can't figure out how to add the scanned info into the pm, so pm me your email address and I'll email the info

[shutterbug]

Thanks Rocky! Look for a PM :)

[rocky]

Sent the info yesterday, hope it helps

[shutterbug]

Thanks, Ken! I'll read it over and let you know if I get stuck :)