Restoring a clock spring can be a delicate and intricate process, and complications may arise. If a clock spring restoration goes wrong, here are some general steps and considerations to help address the situation:
Identify the specific problem or mistake in the clock spring restoration. This could include issues with tension, alignment, or damage to the spring.
If possible, document the steps you took during the restoration. This documentation may be helpful if you need to seek professional assistance or if you attempt to correct the mistake yourself.
Don't panic. Mistakes happen, especially with intricate mechanisms like clock springs. Staying calm will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.
Refer to any available documentation or resources related to the clock model. This may include repair manuals, online forums, or guidance from experienced clockmakers.
If the mistake is beyond your expertise or if you're uncertain about how to proceed, consider seeking help from a professional clockmaker or restoration specialist. They have the knowledge and tools to address complex issues.
Take clear photos of the clock mechanism, especially the spring and related components. These photos can be shared with experts who may provide advice or assistance.
If the mistake is related to a specific step in the restoration process, consider undoing recent changes to see if that resolves the issue. Revert to the previous state before the mistake occurred.
Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Understand what went wrong, why it happened, and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Clock restoration often involves a learning curve, and mistakes contribute to skill development.
Rushing to fix a mistake can lead to further errors. Take your time to carefully assess the situation, plan your next steps, and execute any corrective measures.
If the clock is valuable or has sentimental importance, consider having it professionally restored. A professional can not only correct mistakes but also perform a comprehensive restoration to ensure the clock functions optimally.
Implement preventive measures in the future. This could include wearing gloves, working in a clean and organized environment, and being attentive to details during the restoration process.
Remember, clock restoration can be intricate, and mistakes are a common part of the learning process. If you're unsure or if the clock is particularly valuable, seeking professional assistance is a wise decision. Additionally, ongoing learning and practice will enhance your skills over time.
The job
Typically issues dont go as deliberate. In these cases its essential to weigh up the choices and get on with it.
I've been requested to restore a fairly good 1930’s regulator. The issue was manifesting itself as gradual laboured chiming and illogical chime sequences. That is typical of a chime spring having degraded and misplaced its energy over time. Chimes get midway via after which simply cease, solely to restart as the start of the following chime sequence. It appears the clock has misplaced its thoughts!.
At any price the answer was a spring substitute which was measured and ordered. The proprietor of the clock determined to exchange each the drive and the chime spring on the identical time on my recommendation. Usually talking, when one goes the opposite shouldn't be far off. Chime springs are normally the final to go as over time they get used much less as individuals elect to show the chime off.
This clock makes use of surpisingly robust springs. Spring strenth is rated on the springs thickness which ranges from .1mm via to about .7mm for many clocks. The spring is hooked up to the within of the barrel by a metallic pin drilled in and sealed as a rivet from the skin.
The sudden drawback
Once I put in the brand new spring the strain of the spring sheared off this pin and the spring wouldn't maintain agency within the barrel and slipped when tightened.
There have been two approaches obtainable right here and thats essential to say. For those who run accross an issue on a clock that you just had not anticipated it truly is essential to simply cease and contemplate the choices fairly than rush in the direction of the primary apparent technique or repair.
Firstly I might supply a brand new barrel however this may take time and its relative put on might trigger unpredictable outcomes. The opposite issues after all is that you just would possibly be capable of get the identical guage of barrel however you'd be very fortunate if the model and color have been equivalent – new barrels are apparent visually.
The second method was to make use of a spring attachement technique I've seen on different barrels which invloves folding a tongue of the barrel inside to catch the loop on the top of the spring. This method assured a repair but additionally meant getting it proper first time as a result of if I underestimated the energy of the elements the barrel or spring would cut up. So, to unfold the load a bit on the be part of I created as wider V as I dared after which enlarged the outlet loop in the long run of the spring by 30%. The end result was a powerful efficient restore. It seems to be somewhat brutal nevertheless it undoubtedly wont slip or shear and the mix of a hardened metal spring edge on tender brass can produce spectacular breaks.
Sick now polish the barrel marks out and re-assemble the clock.
The pic exhibits each the repaired barrel and its twin (though not a strict twin as I discovered it had a barely completely different energy spring). You possibly can see the unique pin within the left barrel. Be aware that I minimize the poing of my “V” to match the place of the pin. This could guarantee it had the very best probability of catching the spring loop. To face the V part able to catch the spring I inset it (hammered it in) to the barrel so it was proud by about 3 or 4mm. It has to face that proud to catch a fast-paced loop that units in whenever you launch the spring within the barrel.
May I've performed this otherwise?
Effectively sure is the trustworthy reply. I might have hammered the bent barell again into form. I attempted to do that however wasnt daring sufficient and when the brand new spring went in it solely half caught on what remained of the pin and sheared it even additional. Subsequent time sick go straight for the strategy I've used right here as that is actually the way in which the producer ought to have performed it within the first place. The tactic of chopping a tongue into the barrel was used afterward in clock manufacture which I had assumed was a price chopping modifcation. Having needed to take care of the issue myself I can verify is the higher manner in all respects in addition to saving cash in manufacturing. I discover the identical kind of modifications on trendy chinese language actions that are produced very cheaply however unbelievably nicely by way of the no frills design.
