It may be time to replace these pivots

[slim766]

I'm more just posting this to share but also looking for the best solutions to this problem. I am fixing up an old Seth Thomas electric Westminster chime mantle clock and was a little concerned when I checked out the first gear. Then I took a look at the second gear and became even more concerned. I'm pretty sure I can fix the first gear by simply turning down the pivot a bit and putting in a new bushing (it needs new bushings anyway). The second gear I'm assuming will just have to have the pivot cut off, drill a hole and then insert a new pivot pin. Since I don't have the equipment or experience to do this yet I'll shelve this project until I can tackle it. Unless, that is, there is a better way to fix this that I don't know of. I'll admit that I don't know much, much more than I do know so this is quite possible. Any advice would be appreciated. Have a great day.

Kris

[harold bain]

I fear you are correct about the second wheel, not much material left there. Electrics often keep running much longer than a spring wound clock due to the power of the motor. You might consider sending the wheel out to someone who is equipped to do a good job on those pivots.

[shutterbug]

Not to worry if you don't have the expertise or the equipment. I often send out difficult jobs to experienced people. Normally I use David LaBounty. He does great work. Eventually you'll get the machinery and bravery to do these kinds of repairs yourself.

[Willie X]

Yes, it would best to mothball that one until the shaft can be re-pivoted. If it breaks, it could passably damage something much further. Not a disaster like would come from a spring or weight clock but when the pivot does break the driven gear can be pushed out of place. With the constantly running drive gear with a good bit of power, further damage could be done.

Willie X

[bangster]

If you own a lathe (to turn the first pivot), you can replace the second pivot. 'Tain't rocket surgery. Instructions are available on this here MB,

:Party:

[Talyinka]

I'll shelve this project until I can tackle it.

Take a deep breath, and then just do it. No other way to learn. I assume you have a small lathe...

[shutterbug]

I agree with the opinions to go ahead and try it IF you have a lathe. If you use a drill or other such device for polishing pivots DON'T try it. Pivots require perfect centers - hard enough on a lathe, impossible any other way. :)

[slim766]

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement! I don't yet own a lathe, but rather than seeing this as an obstacle I see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to buy a lathe! I have always loved buying tools and when I have a legitimate purpose for one it's much easier to convince my wife to let me buy it. Now I'm off to the lathe store to see what I can find.

Kris

[R. Croswell]

Now I'm off to the lathe store to see what I can find.

Kris
That should fun! Try this store http://www.sherline.com/

RC

[Jay Fortner]

Good material to use for repivoting is rollers out of needle bearings. They're hardened,polished and radiused on their ends. Bore the hole in your arbor .0002-.0005 smaller than the roller,press it in and you've got a finished pivot rock and roll race ready.