Getting Started

[Thegoodbees]

I’m interested in getting started working with clocks. I’ve had a couple of antique clocks for years and recently acquired a 1970’s grandfather clock in need of disassembly and cleaning.
I also have a couple of mantle clocks and one pendulum wall clock sitting in a storage room waiting for me to clean or tinker with them.
What tools or guide could I use to learn how to clean a clock movement, for starters? I notice there is no “clock repair for dummies” book out there. The clock repair profession feels like a collection of secrets held by old men. Where do I start? What tools and solutions do I really need to get going?

 

[shutterbug]

There are a couple threads that deal with tools. For the most part, probably your biggest concern at first is learning how to let down springs (you need a spring winder), how to bush properly, how to inspect for damage, and how to determine what other issues might be involved.
I recommend a clock course. Here is one that's quite good and not too expensive. From the instructions, you'll be able to see what tools are needed and how to go about repairing clocks.

 

[Bernhard J.]

The clock repair profession feels like a collection of secrets held by old men.

Not really, just look at the support and knowledge that these "old men" provide here for free and in detail, so that anyone is enabled to make use of the support on his/her own.

I suppose that you will be able to see, how to take apart a movement. Prior to any attempt, take care to release the springs and then remove the pendulum, if still present. How a spring is released depends on whether the clock has a going barrel or a fusee. All parts are then cleaned in an appropriate cleaning fluid and afterwards in a rinsing fluid. After inspection of all parts and holes, and finding that all is fine, everything is put together and at least the privots are provided with an appropriate amount of appropriate oil. Products, which are "appropriate", can be found in various threads here.

Have fun, Bernhard

 

[Willie X]

Luckily for you, the "old men" wrote and illustrated a lot of good books ...

It's probably best if you start reading some of these books right away! Several book list are in the archives.

Willie X

 

[bruce linde]

The clock repair profession feels like a collection of secrets held by old men. Where do I start? What tools and solutions do I really need to get going?

those (not necessarily ) 'old' (not necessarily) men have put in years learning, practicing, failing, and (increasingly) succeeding. no one gets to start at the top, in any hobby or profession.

where/how do you start? you start with passion, and go one step at a time. first step is to start reading EVERY thread in this forum... starting with the 'sticky' threads at the top... this is your 'clock repair for dummies (and not dummies)', and it's free.

sure, you can get some tools. roger federer and i both have tennis racquets. willie x and i both have clock tools. roger and willie are way better than i am... but i'm no longer a beginner in either tennis or clock repair... years later. the best part, though, is the fun you get to have while fully engrossed in and chasing your passions.

when you can snatch the fully serviced movement from my hand, grasshopper... etc. etc.

 

[Jess19721]

This forum has amazingly generous teachers, wouldn't label them "old men" as a group but yeah, with age comes wisdom if that is what you meant.

I find if you ask questions as you go here there are plenty of wise clock Masters that will go out of their way to help. Even with embarrassingly "basic" questions. The Conover books for me as a new learner have been critical. I find the clock books in general are super expensive, but worth every one I buy. But there is no such thing as one volume "Clock Repair for Dummies.". No way, no how.

 

[JimmyOz]

I am amazed nobody suggested joining the local NAWCC, doing under supervision will teach you the right way and a dam sight quicker than reading books, although books are also good.

 

[Schatznut]

I am amazed nobody suggested joining the local NAWCC, doing under supervision will teach you the right way and a dam sight quicker than reading books, although books are also good.

Consider your dues as tuition in the best on-line clock and watch repair school on the planet. The amount of excellent information given away for free in these forums is absolutely amazing. But it costs money to keep the school house open.

 

[bruce linde]

I am amazed nobody suggested joining the local NAWCC, doing under supervision will teach you the right way and a dam sight quicker than reading books, although books are also good.

my local chapters are mostly super seniors aging out... and more into watches. i went with my clock mentor a few times but realized it was more old friends getting together. they were very nice and welcoming, message board is open 24x7.

sure, check out your local chapters as well... do both!

 

[Bernhard J.]

A presumably good approach is to think and read first, before attempting to do something. Understanding how something works is extremely helpful before acting (and possibly ruining). Sometimes it is even an apparent riddle how to take something apart. I always think about that the item was obviously assembled at some time and try to figure out how this must have been done, then simply reversing the process. The same with functional elements. I always assume that the person making it thought about why to make it this particular way. Rarely one comes to the result that the person in fact did not think, typically if something was messed around with at some later juncture.

Cheers, Bernhard

P.S.: guess how I learned this approach some time ago. By ruining before thinking ... Lack of patience typically is fatal ...

 

[bruce linde]

I just want to add that I noticed over time when going through movements I had worked on previously that i now had a much better idea of what I was doing… and how far my original efforts were from optimal. as understanding and experience deepen, so does awareness of that process... everything you've learned before (hopefully) gets better... new things get taken in better stride.

and, just when you think you're getting the hang of things, along comes a fail on a basic thing you've done dozens of times before (doh!), or a post from someone showing off a repair they made or a clock they constructed by hand that is so far above one's own abilities, and you realize that 'working with clocks' is not a binary thing... it's hundreds of years of genius, math, metallurgy, physics, gravity, mapped over a zillion skill and experience levels. i often quote clint eastwood: a man's (person's) got to know his (their) limitation.

hopefully the OP will return to the mb and this thread, and feel drawn toward the passion, excitement and pleasure that continually attracts rest of like horological moths drawn to the clock (and watch) light.

 

[Schatznut]

To your point, Bruce - I've got maybe 45 clocks but I've done about 100 overhauls. I go back into some of my early efforts now and realize how much better I've gotten at it...