Worn escape wheel pinion

[KEITH100]

My 1790 'sh UK longcase clock has a very worn escape wheel pinion.
I understand this is quite common.

The question is - how best to correct this and how easy is it?
Reverse the pinion - is this even possible? Move the driving wheel along its arbor. Is this difficult, or even practical?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Keith

 

[bruce linde]

hard to tell without seeing it... photos?

 

[KEITH100]

Thank for your reply
Two problems with a photo
1 Not sure how to attach one!!
2 The photos I took before cleaning, don't show the wear on the pinion, even though it is clear to the naked eye.

 

[wow]

At the bottom of this post box there is an “attach files” option. That’s where you post photos.

 

[KEITH100]

OK

I will try to attach a photo. (last time I tried on another forum I posted about 5000 lines of code)

In the photos the pinion and driving wheel are to the top right.

Right now the clock works perfectly and keeps good time but I suppose at some point something will break and I would rather do an "original" repair now than have to replace parts in the future.

Thanks

Keith

 

[shutterbug]

A new wheel may be your best bet. However, the mating wheel might be able to be moved on its arbor so it intersects the pinion at the center instead of the edge. That would give you many more years of 'life'.

 

[R. Croswell]

The clock has presumably been running for 230 years. Old parts that have worn together over time are often quite happy with on another. Shifting a worn gear to run on a new or unworn area of a pinion may have unexpected results. Some older clocks soldered the wheels to the arbors and if unsoldered may be very difficult to recenter. As long as the clock is happy and keeping good time I would let this sleeping dog alone. It may very well out last its owner. I would check it again in say 50 years.

RC

 

[bruce linde]

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/how-to-attach-photos-to-your-posts.158628/

 

[bruce linde]

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/how-to-attach-photos-to-your-posts.158628/

never mind... i see you figured it out... wel done.

Right now the clock works perfectly and keeps good time

You’ve answered your own question… If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. It may continue to run for longer than any of us.

 

[kdf]

As far as I can see, it is in good condition...

 

[disciple_dan]

I didn't realize they had cut pinions 230 years ago. I figured it would have been the lantern style. Was the lantern pinion just a cheaper way to do it?

 

[kdf]

Yes, lantern pinions were common in cheaper clocks - production was cheaper...

 

[JimmyOz]

I am one for, not broken leave it, however if you want to do something I would not try to move any wheels as this could end up making the job a lot more complicated. Again if you do want to do something you can turn up a bushing for the escapement wheel that is slightly less than the sink hole and let it sit proud of the inside of the plate, therefore moving the arbour to the left which will then have the pinion nearer the centre of the lower wheel and the escapement wheel more centred on the anchor. This is something that is easy and can be undone.

 

[KEITH100]

Thank you all for the speedy and helpful replies.

Since the clock runs with a strong steady beat and regular, even, recoil
I have decided on the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach.

Regards

Keith