What is the correct weight for each train of a 5-tube 3-weight Herschede. Cincinnati era.

[dbertinot]

I purchased an older 5-tube, 3 weight Herschede clock last year. I restored the clock recently, but the weights were not correct. The time and strike seem to run ok, but the chime train needs a heavier weight. I was able to purchase the three weight shells from a Herschede electric clock, but each weight is only 5 pounds. The shells look correct as the chime one is much larger. Does anyone know the correct weight that should be in each shell? And how I might possibly achieve that. Thanks in advance.

 

[Andy Dervan]

3 weight chiming hall clocks: typical time and strike weights are about 12 lbs., but chime weight is much heavier about 35 lbs.and is much larger.

Andy Dervan

 

[Bruce Alexander]

Hello,

"Cincinnati era" covers quite a few models.

I have a 5-Bell Herschede Model 320 from circa 1956. I just checked the weights and came up with:

Strike = 8.3 pounds
Time = 11.2 pounds
Chime = 22 pounds

I did not open the Shells. Sometimes folks mess around with the weights by adding junk but as far as I know these are the original specs. I suspect that 9-Bell movements require a heavier chime weight, probably in the 30 pound neighborhood.

Herschede always seemed to tweak things so perhaps they adjusted the weights over time as well.

Of course if you're sure that your movement is in good running order and properly lubricated, you could start on the light side and gradually add weight until you achieve reliable operation.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[Andy Dervan]

I was going by 9 tube Grand Rapids Clock and Mantle Co. clock for approximate train weights.

Lighter is always better as long as the clock will run and strike and chime properly.

Having it properly serviced - completely disassembled, serviced, cleaned, reassembled and properly lubricated is very important.

Andy Dervan

 

[Dick Feldman]

The minimum weight a clock train will run on can be found by suspending a scale (similar to what fishermen use) between the clock pulley and something secured firmly below (a wire, a cable, etc) The lower end of the scale may be fastened to the floor of the case or a large ballast.
As you wind the train, you will stretch the scale and use the energy stored in the scale to run the train. When the train will no longer run, read the value on the scale. That is the minimum weight that will run the clock train. Add about 25% to that value for consistent reliable operation.
As was mentioned, the movement must be in fair shape as far as wear to be reliable under any conditions. Herschede movements are prone to wear excessively in the chime train due to large amounts of energy required and the power supplied (the heavy weight).
This method was proposed by Dr. David S. Goodman in his book, This Old Clock.

Best of luck,

Dick

 

[brian fisher]

in regard to a 5 tube, i think bruce alexander's advice is about as accurate as it gets. those are the numbers i would shoot for.

btw, herschede clocks are known for being cantankerous and unreliable once the bushings start to wear. 20-25 lbs should be the correct amount of weight for the chime train on this clock. if it takes more than that, most likely the movement is in need of a rebuild.

 

[dbertinot]

in regard to a 5 tube, i think bruce alexander's advice is about as accurate as it gets. those are the numbers i would shoot for.

btw, herschede clocks are known for being cantankerous and unreliable once the bushings start to wear. 20-25 lbs should be the correct amount of weight for the chime train on this clock. if it takes more than that, most likely the movement is in need of a rebuild.

Thanks for all the advice. The movement was recently cleaned and re-bushed. I have temporary weights on the clock now. 9 pounds seem to work well on the strike and time trains. I only had a 14 pound weight on the chime and it was running slowly.
I did get the correct Herschede shells and I ordered a lot of lead shot to put the correct weight in the shells. It should be running very well soon.
thanks again.

 

[TEACLOCKS]

What is your model #
Or Some pictures of the movement.

 

[Bruce Alexander]

I was wondering what model you have as well.
If you haven't identified it yet, please post some photos and maybe someone can help identify it for you.
Photos of the movement would be great too as Teaclocks has suggested...if you have some time to burn.