Pendulam clock speed adjustment

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:38 pm     Post subject: Pendulam clock speed adjustment

I have a late 1700's elgin grandfather clock and over the years it has been gaining time. the pendulum is all the way down as far as it will go. I even added a c type battery to try slow it down more. Question is: is there an adjustment for this? Or any other problem that may create the speed up. I stopped running it about 5 years ago. It kept faily good time for abouit 20 years. Thanks in advance, Ron

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 2:18 pm     Post subject:

The only adjustment for this is to lower/raise the pendulum bob. If you have done this, and it has not corrected the problem, then you will want to look into other aspects.

Is this movement running the original weights and pendulum?

Are the weights possibly switched around? Heaviest weight typically goes on the right (facing the front of the clock).

These are just a couple of things that could cause a fast running pendulum. Keep in mind that my mechanical movement knowledge is general at best. With that being said, we have several patron members with much more experience than I. Be sure to check back now and then to see if anyone else may have some suggestions.

Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 6:23 pm     Post subject:

needs someone to look at it. Sounds like it's worn out. needs restoration.

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:09 pm     Post subject:

Any tips on on where to go next, once you've extended the pendulum to its maximum length and checked that the weights are in the correct order?

I have a late 18th century longcase that was fully restored around 3 years ago and had been working fine. However, it now gains significantly, even though the pendulum nut is right at the bottom of the thread.

So now what? Anything else I can do or check before having to take it in for repair...?

Thanks

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:17 pm     Post subject:

Chris was correct in what he said, the only way to slow the clock down is to lengthen the pendulum rod.

I think the clock may have had some repair or replacement work done years ago, and the movement has now "loosened up" to the point where it needs further adjustment to get it back to keeping time - - - -

You mention 1700's, I am assuming here your clock has the 39" long seconds pendulum and a recoil ecapement ? a few clocks at that time had a short 10" bob, and a verge escapement, if this is the case you have a very rare clock and it should be seen by an expert.

Not sure where you are going with the battery either, are you trying to increase the pendulum weight or lengthen it with the battery ? - - - either way, lose the battery and make the pendulum rod longer.
Andrew.
http://www.clockmakersandrepairs.co.uk[/url]

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:52 pm     Post subject:

Since it WAS running correctly 3 years ago, your problem of it gaining time is an indication that it needs service again. Only minor adjustments are needed to a properly running clock.

-Pete