excessive verge saddle slop on pinplate?

[Jeff C]

I'm wondering if there needs to be a focus on reducing any slop the verge saddle would have on its pin plate? I have one here which hard to see is sloppy and the verge itself is in good condition. Should I consider changing the saddle or leave it alone. How snug on the pin plate should it be? Should I see time keeping errors? I'm just doing my pre inspection before this overhaul.


Thanks

[lpbp]

Saddles can be bushed. I use brass bushing wire, open the two sides of the saddle, using a progressively bigger broach to keep it straight, when the hole matches the O.D. of the wire insert all the way through, solder in place, front and back, the use a jewelers saw to cut off extra. Then open bushing to fit pin.

[shutterbug]

If I'm reading correctly, you're talking about the verge itself being loose, not the area where the pin goes through. If that's the case, yes it needs to be tight. Any movement at the verge, whether from the pin holes, the verge, the crutch wire or the EW will rob power and affect the impulse to the pendulum.

[Jeff C]

Well the saddle is firmly on the verge but the holes or bushings in the saddle are quite larger than the pin on the pate which it goes onto. The verge assembly does wiggle due to this. Interesting procedure of bushing this saddle.

[shutterbug]

Often, just spreading the saddle further apart will solve the problem. If they're badly worn though, the suggested repair is the way to go.

[Veritas]

I have found a suitable thickness to put between the saddle and then peen around the hole to close it up some.It works, but perhaps not the best way to do this job.

[Jeff C]

I have found a suitable thickness to put between the saddle and then peen around the hole to close it up some.It works, but perhaps not the best way to do this job.

I like that Kevin, thanks. I'll see how it works tomorrow.

Regards,

[Willie X]

Jeff,

I would try what Bug said. It looks as if the saddle on your clock has been pinched in, making it to narrow. The sides should be as wide as possible.

If the clock is appart, it's a heck of a lot easier to fit a slightly larger wire.

Willie X

[Jeff C]

Rather difficult to tell but I do have a closer picture which was taken after the cleaning. Looks like it was too wide at one point then bent to accommodate the pin length.

[Willie X]

Jeff,

Look to see if some of the pin is sticking out on the back side of its little base plate.

A to short pin would seem to be at least part of your problem.

Willie X

[fume happy]

If you don't have bushing wire, I've fixed quite a few by using regular friction bushings. Usually a good idea to use a minute quantity of tix solder on the inside of the saddle to keep the bushing in place. Then ream and enjoy!
~Fumey

[Jeff C]

Well I took the route Kevin stated earlier. I made a few punches and then opened the holes a bit. Fits good the movement is now on the stand for testing.

Thanks for all your help, great resource!!

[Veritas]

Hopefully Jeff it will work ok or perhaps you may need a new verge.

[shutterbug]

I agree, a longer pin is called for. Yours is short enough that the keeper might rub against the saddle, and that would surely effect the functioning of the clock.