This bell won't ring

[f.webster]

I have been working on this 'bell top ringer' replacing broken teeth, fabricating missing parts, etc.

It now runs well; but, the bell won't ring!!

Suggestions and observations appreciated. I have tried setting the bell on a pencil and striking it with a brass hammer. It still won't ring.

 

[bruce linde]

multiple comments...

- first, the video can't be seen by mac users as is... best way is to upload to youtube for processing and conversion and then copy and paste the url into a post here to auto-embed

- the arm of the hammer looks like it's hitting the upper plate post... hold that thought...

- the hammer is not hitting the bell... you can bend the bell arm slightly to move the bell closer to the hammer

- you can then bend the arm of the hammer slightly so that the hammer portion hits the bell before the arm of the hammer hits the plates post.... these are all slight and careful minor bends

- lastly, you triggering the hammer is not the most informative video... it would be better to show the movement striking, even if the hammer isn't reaching the side of the bell

- one more thing... on two of my tall case clocks the bells are slightly out of round... meaning that simply turning them on their posts can help adjust volume... you might spin the bell around and see if yours is like that

 

[JTD]

It's not only mac users that can't open the video - I am not a mac user and I can't open it either.

As for the bell, you say it doesn't ring even when you hit it. Did it ring before you overhauled the clock?

JTD

 

[f.webster]

The bell was not on the movement when I began this project. So, I have no idea if it ever rang.

The strike hammer kits the bell. This bell is round and rotating it does not bring the bell closer or further away from the hammer. I have adjusted it so that the hammer strikes the bell and the rests away from the bell as not to deaden the ring.

 

[Willie X]

webs,

Your bell is probably cracked, or it could just be a bad bell. This type clock is usually so loud you can hear it in any part of a normal size house. Maybe even outside, on a quiet day. Willie X

 

[f.webster]

here is the video on vimeo

 

[f.webster]

I know that this bell should be loud...

In fact, this clock stands next to the bed in the guestroom. It should insure that no one stays more than one night..LOL

 

[Willie X]

Yep, bad bell. Must be made out of lead or maybe nosoundium ... is what I think.
Willie X

 

[bruce linde]

here is the video on vimeo

sorry, but i'm watching the video and the hammer is NOT hitting the bell... the arm of the hammer is hitting the post between the plates and the hammer falls short.

bend the top half of the hammer arm toward the bell so the hammer is just touching the bell in the resting position and try again.

 

[Willie X]

I think I hear the hammer hitting the bell but no ringie Willie X

 

[roughbarked]

It is hitting the bell but it is hitting the pillar harder. The bell should be loud enough to drown out the click as it hits the pillar if it actually hits the bell a touch more.
Now it is hitting the pillar closer to the bottom than the top and I'd suggest that a bend should be placed so that the rod hits the pillar closer to the top than the bottom.

 

[Willie X]

OP said.

I have tried setting the bell on a pencil and striking it with a brass hammer. It still won't ring.

Sounds conclusive to me. Willie X

 

[disciple_dan]

Mr. Webster, I hope you get your bell rung soon. Can you tell me what kind of movement that is? Is it in a Welsh tall case? I have just work on one very similar today. I just had to put it in beat. The owner asked me If could overhaul it for him. It needs a lot. The moon dial doesn't work, the calendar doesn't. I wanted to find out more about it before I say yes.
Will you send me a couple of pictures (PM if you like) of the movement and also the dial face and case. It would really help me out with this customer.
Thank you, Danny

 

[f.webster]

I am not the best video maker. The hammer was hitting the bell.

I removed the bell and inspected it. There was a place on the edge of the bell that looked like solder had been dripped into it. At first I didn't think much of it. However, after taking a file to the spot in an attempt to "clean it up", I found it was hiding a crack.

Thanks to all for commenting on this thread. Willie X sparked the idea that the bell might be cracked.

 

[shutterbug]

How does the bell attach to the post? The post can't touch the bell except in the very center.

 

[roughbarked]

If it is cracked then it has little chance of ringing.

 

[f.webster]

The bell mounts properly and does not touch anywhere but where the post passes through.

The bell is cracked and I have put the word out in my local chapter that I need a replacement.

 

[f.webster]

Thanks to all the inputs, I am now a horologist and a campanologist!

Campanology (from Late Latin campana, "bell"; and Greek -λογία, -logia) is the study of bells.