Troubleshooting tips?

[legosnell]

Just did a rebuild on a Sessions movement. Had to bush several pivot holes on the going train. Chiming train was fine and is operating fine. Going train still had issues. Disassembled again and did 2more bushings. Question is: Can I just reassemble the going train only without the chiming train until I can troubleshoot and verify proper operation?

 

[Arthur Cagle]

Yes.

 

[bkerr]

Agreed and to add, take a close look at each pivot. Often if a bushing is needed there is wear on the pivot.

 

[legosnell]

Seems to be running fine now. I'll let it run for an hour or so before adding the pain in the butt chiming train. Appreciate the help.

 

[shutterbug]

It takes a lot of power to activate the chime sequence. If your clock is not running optimally, it will bog down while trying to lift things.

 

[legosnell]

It takes a lot of power to activate the chime sequence. If your clock is not running optimally, it will bog down while trying to lift things.

Ok shutterbug. Appreciate that. So the battle is not won yet. Not till it's all assembled as a complete unit.

 

[Willie X]

Did you check for a good overswing?
Willie X

 

[legosnell]

Did you check for a good overswing?
Willie X

I hope you don't mind me asking what is the overswing? This is just a part time hobby for me and I'm not familiar with all the proper terminology but I'm learning slowly but surely thanks to you guys and the Clock Repair Basics by Steven Conover. Is that the slop or slight looseness of the new bushing to pivot fit?

 

[Arthur Cagle]

You say chiming train; did you mean to say strike train?

 

[legosnell]

You say chiming train; did you mean to say strike train?

Yes Thanks Arthur. I thought they were basically the same thing but there you go again, I'm using the wrong terminology. Appreciate the correction. Maybe chiming train is more like something you would see with a westminster chime?

 

[JTD]

I hope you don't mind me asking what is the overswing?

Is that the slop or slight looseness of the new bushing to pivot fit?

No. The overswing is the amount the pendulum swings over and above the swing needed to make the tick-tock. You can make the escape wheel move one tooth with just a very small swing of the pendulum but you want a good healthy swing past that point - hence the name 'overswing'.

Not sure ihave explained that very well, hope it is clear what I mean.

Maybe chiming train is more like something you would see with a westminster chime?

Yes. A chiming clock plays a tune, such as Westminster or Whittington. A striking clock just goes bong the number of times needed for the hour. Some clocks also give just one bong on the half hour.

JTD

 

[legosnell]

No. The overswing is the amount the pendulum swings over and above the swing needed to make the tick-tock. You can make the escape wheel move one tooth with just a very small swing of the pendulum but you want a good healthy swing past that point - hence the name 'overswing'.

Not sure ihave explained that very well, hope it is clear what I mean.



Yes. A chiming clock plays a tune, such as Westminster or Whittington. A striking clock just goes bong the number of times needed for the hour. Some clocks also give just one bong on the half hour.

JTD

Thank you JTD

 

[Arthur Cagle]

Right, it's generally a third train that plays a melody as you suggest.

 

[Mike Mall]

I hope you don't mind me asking what is the overswing? This is just a part time hobby for me and I'm not familiar with all the proper terminology but I'm learning slowly but surely thanks to you guys and the Clock Repair Basics by Steven Conover. Is that the slop or slight looseness of the new bushing to pivot fit?

I'm a hobbyist also, and I have learned to reassemble each train separately after bushing work, to check my work. It's very easy to just install only the wheels for one train at a time to check it.

For example after broaching I will assemble the time train minus the verge, and spin the train by finger to verify all the wheels are spinning smoothly, with good end shake. The momentum of the wheels should keep it all turning for a bit, after removing finger pressure. While also checking for any excess play in all the pivots, possibly not noticed on initial inspection. Same procedure with the strike, minus the hammers, and levers.

Final assembling, and timing everything, is done after everything checks good separately.

 

[bkerr]

Not only replacing the bushing but fitting it to size like you mention. Reaming from both sides of the plate and burnishing each hole.
I start with the pivots and give them a close inspection. Often the pivot will do well with a bit of polishing / burnishing. After the pivot is corrected then I choose the proper bushing. Always check for end shake. Like I was told, a clock will run loose, but it will not run tight.

 

[legosnell]

My biggest problem has always been and still is, trying to get it all in sync so that the strike operation works properly. The count wheel, count lever, in relationship with the cam position, and then the locking wheel and locking pin position when count lever is in deep groove so that the strike operation will stop at that point. I usually work on this for hours, repositioning a little bit at a time and then trying it only to find it's still not quite right. Can be very frustrating and sometimes just have to put it down and come back to it when I have taken a break. But eventually I do get it to work.....most times.

 

[wow]

Wrong thread