gilbert/Grandfather suspension spring [Archive] - National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Message Board

Jim_Miller

01-30-2003, 06:29 AM

I have been working on a Gilbert movement from a Colonial Grandfathers clock, it is a time and strike and i've had to do a massive cleaning and rebush. the problem I'm having now is trying to get it into beat. i had to make a new suspension spring (3 in fact) and I'm at the point that it runs great as long as i dont have the pendulem on the movement. As soon as I put the pendulem on, it loses momemtun and eventually stops. The last spring I made was .007" thick and 1/4" wide. I got this demension from Laurie Pennmans book on escapements. any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong.
Jim Miller
jimm@donblackburn.com

Jim_Miller

01-30-2003, 06:29 AM

I have been working on a Gilbert movement from a Colonial Grandfathers clock, it is a time and strike and i've had to do a massive cleaning and rebush. the problem I'm having now is trying to get it into beat. i had to make a new suspension spring (3 in fact) and I'm at the point that it runs great as long as i dont have the pendulem on the movement. As soon as I put the pendulem on, it loses momemtun and eventually stops. The last spring I made was .007" thick and 1/4" wide. I got this demension from Laurie Pennmans book on escapements. any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong.
Jim Miller
jimm@donblackburn.com

Carroll Hardin

01-30-2003, 08:29 AM

Don't you just hate it when that happens? Have you checked the crutch area for too much slack? Is it in beat with the pendulum on? Could the pendulum be too heavy? Phil"s suggestion about trying the heavier weight to see if it will run is a good idea.
Good luck with it.

Carroll

bcaclock

01-30-2003, 11:20 AM

Hi Jim, I find when I run into a situation like this the first thing to do is to go back and check each pivot for end shake and side shake. You are losing power somewhere in the train. If one of the new bushings is too tight you will have to broach it a little larger.The rule I find works is that if it doesn't shake, it doesn't run.Good Luck, Bob

Jim_Miller

01-31-2003, 01:27 AM

Thanks to all for the tips. I'll be working on the movement again tonight. The first spring I made was about .004" and I was using the heavier weight, both without sucess. When I removed the weights and checked the end shake, everything seemed ok. But I this repair business is a game og patience. so I'll have another go at it.
I'll keep you posted.
Jim Miller