Where to Start?

[joe4227]

I am pretty new to this.

I need to look at some diagrams and simple explanations of how clocks work.

I have a Hermle Mantle (340-020A) the one with the later "Adjustable" Floating Balance.

Okay, - I know what the Floating Balance looks like, and where it is. I don't know how it fits into the overall movement design, or what it actually does.

Are there articles that explain the basic clock theory and design (for this type of movement to start with) fo newbies?

It would help when discussing with some of you "old salts" who are rather specific about terms!

By the way - I don't expect to be doing this for a living - I have a career in digital technology for that. This is simply an interest...

 

[harold bain]

Joe, the only book I know of that discusses the floating balance is the Hermle Repair Manual. There are a few websites, including David LaBounty's, that have good information on them.
Basically it takes the place of the pendulum, in a somewhat similar way that the hairspring/balancewheel does in a watch.
For basic how clocks work and how to maintain them, Phillip Balcomb's The Clock Repair Primer explains most basic clock functions in a way that the novice can understand.

 

[joe4227]

Joe, the only book I know of that discusses the floating balance is the Hermle Repair Manual. There are a few websites, including David LaBounty's, that have good information on them.
Basically it takes the place of the pendulum, in a somewhat similar way that the hairspring/balancewheel does in a watch.
For basic how clocks work and how to maintain them, Phillip Balcomb's The Clock Repair Primer explains most basic clock functions in a way that the novice can understand.

I have seen summaries of the Hermle stuff where can one get the actual Repair Manual?

Are books like the Primer available at the local Chapters or Amazon, or would they be special order items?

 

[tymfxr]

Joe, also try this site and click on 'theory'
http://www.clockwatch.de/

 

[harold bain]

Timesavers ( www.timesavers.com )has both books. The Hermle manual is part # 15154, and Balcombs book is 15012. Perrins in Toronto would also carry both, but no website. Local bookstores, not likely.

 

[joe4227]

Thanks to both Harold and Mike. This should be a good start!

 

[Scottie-TX]

Not all here are old salts, JOE. Some are just old. Some are just salty and MANY here like myself, regard clocks as only a hobby.
Welcome to a GREAT hobby and a GREAT buncha folks who enjoy it.
I would suggest that balance type movements may not be the best way to start. I still ain't figgered 'em out. I likes pendalams, an' we ain't here to correct your use of our language - only to help you however we can!

 

[joe4227]

I would suggest that balance type movements may not be the best way to start. I still ain't figgered 'em out. I likes pendalams, an' we ain't here to correct your use of our language - only to help you however we can!

Scottie - I agree the Pendulums are a little easier - the problem is, my pendulum clocks are working okay! It's the Hermle that needs fixin!

I have tested the "adjuster" through its full range. It has no effect. Runs steadily at a loss 5-6 minutes a day.

One of the other threads recommends replacing the floating balance, and several people recommend replacing with the older movement (adjustable from the ratchet-wheel instead of the adjuster arm) as more reliable.

Just want a little background before attempting this...

 

[Dave B]

I know there are a lot of people on here who say the best fix is to replace the balance with an old one, but I can't help thinking that the clock probably kept time reasonable well when it left the factiry. What would make a balance clock run slow? The only thing I can think of, offhand is the balance wheel is traveling further than it did when new, or the escape wheel is not advancing every time it is unlocked. I am inclined to suspect the latter. Were I you, I would be looking to see where power was being lost in the train.

 

[joe4227]

Hi, Dave

Took some time to remove the balance, clean and reinstall. Does not appear to be binding, but movement has never been cleaned in 10 years, so...

We'll see if there is a change.

At least got it back together, and running nicely. Good for a newbie!

 

[Scottie-TX]

Yeah; Them scapes wheels run pritty fast when the balance is removed. eh?

 

[joe4227]

Yeah; Them scapes wheels run pritty fast when the balance is removed. eh?

Actually - mine just sat there - but I had removed form the case, so maybe sitting flat prevented...

Or maybe the rest of the movement needs cleaning

It's definitely keeping better time today, though!

Normally would be 5-6 minutes slow by now, but today is okay.

 

[harold bain]

On these movements, the balance leaves the anchor behind, to lock the escapewheel. Much like removing a pendulum.

 

[Scottie-TX]

Yeah. I know; It wuz late an' I think my "Parttimers" kicked in.