depthing tool

[ticktock]

What practical purposes does a depthing tool have in a clock shop. Is this for the more advanced clock repairman?

 

[Robert M.]

I've been repairing clocks for about six or seven years now and personally I never had occasion to use one.The fella who mentored me (30 years experience) has one but I think it's gathering dust in a corner of his shop.
Is it a practical tool,I believe so but is it a neccesity,I don't think so.If worse comes to worst you can take a good set of dividers,triangulate your distance off two adjoining pivot holes off of the opposite plate from the one that needs correcting and transfer your measurements to that particular plate in need of correction.Obviously not as precise as a depthing tool but it works,at least thats the way I do it.Personally a depthing tool would be way down on my list if I were starting out in clock repair.A lathe and mainspring winder would be at the top of my wish list.
Bob Fullerton

 

[Ralph]

Ticktock,

If you need it, it doesn't matter if you are advanced or a beginner.

Robert's method might work in some fashion on some movements, mostly production movements, but on a hand made earlier movement, all bets off. IMO

There are some other discussions on depthing tools, including an alternative method with a milling machine, offered by Jerry Keifer.

You might search on "preacher" too. It has it's uses in some situations.

Ralph