Using CNC in clock repair

[Nitrous]

This may be a silly question, but given how easily available CNC/CAD software is, has anyone mapped out the top and bottom plates for repairing common mechanical movements?

If pivot locations are accurately known, instead of bushings, one could simply fill the holes and then drill them out with CNC.

Doug

 

[R. Croswell]

With no original drawings and specifications for most clocks, this would take a huge investment in time developing the software, then most clock shops couldn’t afford the software and probably would not have the machines to run it. But the biggest problem I see is that when A clock is ready for bushings, the pivots will be worn so the required pivot hole sizes for any given clock will be unknown.

RC

 

[Willie X]

Something that would be way more practical would be an opticaly guided scope that could be lined up exactly where you want the pivot to go, swing the scope to the side and swing in the drill, or special end cutter and boom your done. If you were using a single bushing size, you could do a plate in a few minutes. Where's NEW?

This would be a really big time saver and be much more accurate than most of the common methods. Dentist use something like this when fitting post into bone.

Course we aren't Dentist, so no one would be able to afford the machine !! Double Ha

Willie X

 

[wisty]

Something that would be way more practical would be an opticaly guided scope that could be lined up exactly where you want the pivot to go, swing the scope to the side and swing in the drill, or special end cutter and boom your done. If you were using a single bushing size, you could do a plate in a few minutes. Where's NEW?

This would be a really big time saver and be much more accurate than most of the common methods. Dentist use something like this when fitting post into bone.

Course we aren't Dentist, so no one would be able to afford the machine !! Double Ha

Willie X

There are several designs on the internet for webcams that fit in the spindle of a mill which will do what you want.
Put the camera in, locate the hole, replace the camera with the reamer and cut.
Another reason for adopting JK's mill approach to bushing!
Whether the same device could be adapted to a bushing machine, I don't know.

 

[Nitrous]

as they say... "ahhhhh so"
there are optical ways (in CNC) to determine the precise centre of a worn hole.
thanks again, folks.
I appreciate your insights
Doug

NB: homemadetools.net has a good example of an optical center punch.... I imagine a magnetically held center that would help you 'fix it' in position while you swap out the optical insert and fit in the broach/reamer or drill. Miniature Optical Centre Punch - HomemadeTools.net

 

[shutterbug]

I think David LaBounty has quite a bit of information on this topic. Try his website.