Setting beat with Becker No.4 bracket ie no adjustment

[silverman166]

I'm about to fit the new suspension spring after complete overhaul of the 1905/6 BHA Gustav Becker 400 day clock about which, as a newbie, I previously posted various questions.

Having no adjustment mechanism, how does one set the beat on such a clock? I note that the No.4 bracket (listed in the 400 day Clock Repair guide, Section 15) with which the clock is fitted has a tiny screw on one side where the suspension block slots into the bracket, but am not sure what to do with this screw.

As the width of the slot in the bracket is wider than the suspension block, is it intended to use the screw to simply centre the block within the bracket, or does it have some other function?

 

[KurtinSA]

Looks like this is on a Gustav Becker clock. What is the serial number? Could you show an angled view of the saddle?

Without seeing more, I think you'll have to bend the suspension spring above the fork but below the top block.

Kurt

 

[marylander]

I think you'll have to bend the suspension spring above the fork but below the top block.
Kurt

I think bending at bottom of the top block is easier. But bend very little at a time.
Ming

 

[GRZESIEK]

Gentlemen, what a patent for setting the clock by bending the suspension.? Do you think that it was originally so set? You need an upper block with the right thickness. The one you have is probably not original. This screw on the side is only to block the suspension.

 

[silverman166]

My Friends

Thanks for your thoughts, and may I apologise for the tardy reply, but I was awaiting email confirmation of any response which did not materialise, so I've only just checked to see whether I had correctly posted the thread.

The Serial No. enabled me to confirm the date of manufacture given in my post, and identify the bracket no.

The idea of bending the spring seems somewhat crude to say the least - is there really no other way, and if not how does one know which way to bend it?

I think that perhaps the blocks are OK - see photos below (without suspension wire). Should I lock them in with the screw ensuring the spring is vertical ?

Peter

 

[KurtinSA]

I see no other way for the beat to be set other than bending the spring. Once the top block with the cross pin is inserted into those two v-grooves, that locks the block in place. As for which way to bend it, I'd have to think about it, but it won't take much. Try to consider what you're trying to do...then bending accordingly. You'll know immediately if you're going the right direction!!

Kurt

 

[silverman166]

Thanks Kurt

I've just realised that it's just the same as using the friction/screw device normally found on the top of the bracket, which is effectively twisting the suspension wire minutely. I think you twist in the opposite direction to the side which has the widest swing ie if the longest swing occurs in the clockwise direction, twist anti-clockwise?

I confess to having got hung up on the expression 'bending', when what is really meant is twisting - I think!!??

Peter

PS Any idea why I don't receive emails when a reply is made - my settings are such that they should be sent?

 

[KurtinSA]

There is a problem with the forum software regarding notifications. It's been a topic of discussion in the Forum Help area. They're working on a fix.

Kurt

 

[Dells]

That seems a daft design to me I can’t believe that was done from new it looks like it was from a normal pendulum clock

 

[Wayne A]

May have been designed by an optimist, or something is missing.. As it sits twisting the suspension slightly as requred to get it in beat is the only option. That will be quite a difficult method to get it in beat.

Wayne

 

[demoman3955]

im not good with these clocks, but i lowered the fork on mine and that changed the beat, that or it triggered something else.

 

[silverman166]

That seems a daft design to me I can’t believe that was done from new it looks like it was from a normal pendulum clock

Bear in mind the age of the clock - 1906/7 (previously incorrectly stated as 1905/6 - memory failure!). The company later (don't know when) introduced an adjustable design.

I've just noticed in the Repair Guide Section 15 that this type of bracket is not often seen, and it also does mention about twisting the suspension spring - I missed that bit before asking the question!