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  1. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Thanks for the advice. I took your advice and stabilized the hanger with a couple of small (1/2") angle braces. This has allowed the clock to run for several 8 day cycles. I also reversed the time and strike side weights and, if nothing else, it made the strike tempo less frantic. Sorry for the...
  2. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    I am grateful for your observations but, also somewhat frustrated since what you are pointing to requires an ear more practiced than mine. The tick-tock sounds OK to me; not as sharp as some clocks I have but, still quite distinct and regular. I did check the pivots for end-play and they are not...
  3. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    I do not have photos of the pallets and the clock is reassembled at this point but, no doubt the grooved pallets are a contributor to the low amplitude/small recoil. I have worked out grooves on a simple strip pallet in the past but, I believe that I would do more harm than good in this case...
  4. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Clock is resting on metal brackets attached to a wooden hanger on the wall. Upon closer inspection, the wooden hanger is bowed and, therefore, not flush to the wall along its bottom edge. This could possibly allow it to rock slightly with the pendulum, I suppose. Maybe I will add a piece of...
  5. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Agree that the amplitude, over swing seems low. The pendulum is not original to his clock. It is keeping good time now that I was able to lower the rating nut on the rod by about 27mm. I figure that helped the amplitude some. Weight is 3.7Kg., not original to the clock but, seems to be...
  6. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Cords have been replaced since those previous photos and there is no longer any overlap. But, I think we may be on to something since the weights were oscillating when it stopped. They were descended about half way, at the level of the pendulum bob. I restarted the clock and the oscillation of...
  7. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    update: I have completely dissassembled, cleaned and lubricated the clock. In the process I found that the suspension spring was broken (one of the 2 leaves). Replacing that took care of the wobble. All the bushings looked good and I pegged them. I cleaned and polished the pivots lightly (no...
  8. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Thanks. Those are from the Maitzner/Moreau book. They are very useful. Out of print. I guess that's why they dont even bother citing it?
  9. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Perfect. Just what I needed. Btw, where did the diagram come from?
  10. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Thanks for letting me know. Access changed. I think the photo is what I really need feedback on. It shows how the crutch is bent and the "dogbone" is not parallel to the movement. Would you bend the crutch to align the dogbone strap? If so, what is the technique?
  11. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    Thanks for the quick response, including the suggestion. The leader is clear but, I do suspect that the crutch (the part that connects to the leader) is not moving parallel to the movement and is causing an oscillation (wobble). This became apparent with the heavier pendulum. I could not get a...
  12. nutmegtinker

    Setting up my first Morbier Comtoise

    I thought that I was only going to collect CT clocks but, I could not resist having a go at a Morbier. Like the CT OG clocks, they were the People's clock. They are both sturdy and cheap. Just the thing for a novice. So, I picked up a Morbier real cheap from France on that ubiquitous online...
  13. nutmegtinker

    cleaning a willard timepiece movement

    Perfect. Thanks for all the timely and useful input. I will go for the non-invasive/non-destructive approach, as recommended.
  14. nutmegtinker

    cleaning a willard timepiece movement

    I recently acquired an A Willard Jr attributed timepiece. I am in the process of cleaning it and, obviously, trying to be as cautious as possible. (No ammonia for this baby). I have only ever cleaned a handful of clocks, all weight driven. For one thing, the weight pulley could use a little...
  15. nutmegtinker

    Pricing for clock repair

    I am not in the repair business myself but, it seems to me that the apprentice approach working from your home would be the way to begin. My local repair guy started that way taking simpler jobs from an established repair business and doing it nights and weekends. He ended up quitting his day...
  16. nutmegtinker

    Clock repair rates and waits

    Thank you for sharing your perspectives on this. I am in awe of the depth of experience of the members here.
  17. nutmegtinker

    Clock repair rates and waits

    Thanks for all the feedback. I was certainly not begrudging anyone the right to earn a decent living doing a highly skilled trade. I think you have confirmed that my experience is typical and that I should continue to pursue my clock hobby as I have with the help of members like you. I will...
  18. nutmegtinker

    Clock repair rates and waits

    I have been collecting and restoring clocks for less than a year. I have gained enough knowledge to clean, oil and adjust a typical weight driven clock. I have also learned when something is out of my skill level. My question for the members of this forum is whether my experience with repairers...
  19. nutmegtinker

    Need Help with My First ST #2

    Thanks. Maybe this should be a sticky. I will bookmark it for myself in any case.
  20. nutmegtinker

    Need Help with My First ST #2

    So, what are the characteristics that we should be looking for in a good weight cord? I am a sailor and pay a lot of attention to the specs and condition of lines. The demands are much higher on these in sailing, I believe, but differ depending on the task. You may want a certain amount of...

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