Ridgeway/Keininger Movement Timekeeping off

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:52 pm     Post subject: Ridgeway/Keininger Movement Timekeeping off

Clock Folks:
We recently acquired a 1985 Ridgeway Model 275 Grandfathers clock with a cable driven movement. It is in lovely condition and the chimes sound correctly. It has been running five minutes slow each day, despite multiple adjustments to the pendulum. The second dial now appears to be running fast (against my stopwatch) but the second hand continually loses time. The pendulum adjusment is moving the rods and I don't want to keep adjusting at this point unless I see some improvement. So far, the pendulum adjustments don't appear to change the slow time keeping at all.

Could anyone offer me advice on a next step?

Here is the clock:


Any advice is definitely appreciated.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 1:43 pm     Post subject:

I can offer a few general tips. Please disregard any tips which you have tried already:

1.) Make certain the case (particularly the clock movement on the seat board) is level. Most floor clocks have leg levelers, which you can rotate individually to raise or lower each leveler to ensure that the movement is seated level. These levelers are usually installed on the underside of the base assembly.
2.) Make certain you allow 24 hours in between each pendulum adjustment. This is critical! You need to know how much time the movement is gaining or loosing in a 24 hour period. Adjust the pendulum at a time when you know you will be available 24 hours later. Also note this this process may take a few days to complete. Since your clock is running slow, you want to raise the bob. I believe this means that you will rotate the rating nut counter clock-wise. One full turn is equal to about 1 minute over a 24 hour time period. Start with five turns, then let the clock run for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the time. Further adjustments may be required. Simply repeat adjustment until the movement is neither gaining or loosing time. Note that this is a trial and error process - so remain diligent!
3.) Check to make certain that the hour, minute, and second hands are not rubbing against each other or the clock face. Also make certain that the cap nut (which secures the minute hand) is not touching any door glass panels. These factors could slow the movement down regardless of pendulum adjustments.
4.) Being that you just acquired the clock, you may want to ask the seller when the movement was last serviced. Mechanical movements should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, and oiled every one to three years. If need be, you can always look into these services to help improve movement performance.

Hope one or more of these suggestions may prove useful.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 1:48 pm     Post subject:

Thanks Chris.
I have made pendulum adjustments over the past two days.
Moving the pendulum either way results in no change in the time keeping.
It loses 8 minutes in a 24 hour time frame, no matter which direction I move the pendulum.
The hands are tight and not touching/interfering with each other or the glass.
The movement seems to be able to be removed by four catch releases. Can anyone confirm that? It would be a lot easier to take the movement in versus the entire clock. I'm sure it has not been serviced in a long time, perhaps never. Our local shop (the one who sold this) always puts a sticker on the back of the door with the date and brief note. We have a mantle clock serviced every few years at this shop and they never fail to post the sticker. The grandfathers clock has no such stickers, so I'm guessing not.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:32 pm     Post subject:

It sounds as though you will want to have this movement serviced no matter what. During that time, the repair person should be able to tell you if there are any further problems with the movement.

I can give some general directions about removing the movement, however manufacturer variations may make some of the description inapplicable. That being said, you can remove the movement by first removing the hour, minute, and second hands (remove the cap nut to remove the hour and minute hands). Also remove the pendulum and weights at this time. Mark the weights so you know which weight goes where (left/center/right - as you face the clock). Set all parts aside in a safe location where they will not be lost. Generally the clock face is held on via lock posts (which are attached to the movement front plate) or via small tapered pins inserted through the clock face posts on the backside of the movement front plate. Note that it may be easier to remove the face after you remove the movement from the case.

On the underside of the movement mounting board (also called the seat board), you should find two hex head machine screws. These screws are inserted through rectangular brackets which span a slot cut through the movement seat board, and thread up into the lower posts of the movement (the posts which span between the front and back plates of the movement). Loosen these screws and you should be able to remove the movement from the seat board. Lift it carefully off the seat board (remove the hex head screws and brackets prior if need be). Use a rubber band to tie up cables as best as possible. If you have chains, you may insert these in a plastic baggie and twist tie the baggie shut.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:14 pm     Post subject:

Thanks Chris. I assumed from the design, it was removable. But, after your description I am much more confident. I'll remove it for service tomorrow.
Thanks so much for the input.

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:20 am     Post subject:

I'm new here in this forum and everything i read is really nice.
I learned a lot here.