Vibrations from walking

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:48 am     Post subject: Vibrations from walking

I just bought a Grandfather Clock from a co-worker for $50. It's a Ridgeway and it seems to be working just fine.

The only issue I am facing is that whenever anyone walks by it, it picks up the vibrations of the person walking and the pendulum hits the chimes, making quite an annoying racket. The clock sits on a laminate floor.

Is there something I can put under the clock that would cut down on this vibration.

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:57 am     Post subject:

not sure what you could put under it to keep the floor from moving. Almost sounds like you need to fasten the laminate floor to the substrate, nails?

I wonder if the clock sat on a piece of carpet, if it would dampen the vibration?

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:54 am     Post subject: Carpet might work

I guess I might as well try a small piece of carpet. What do I have to lose? The spot is right by the stairs also, which causes even more issues.

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:13 am     Post subject:

I would also make sure the clock is level, maybe the clock is leaning forward, or backward.

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:09 pm     Post subject:

A little bit of padding (carpeting) should do the trick, but make certain the clock is secure once on the carpeting pad. You do not want to take the chance of the clock being "tipsy" when fully wound (or when the weights are in the raised position). Most clock assemblies tend to be top heavy when the weights are raised. If so, you can anchor the clock to the wall with a bracket (maybe attached to the case top panel or case back). Make certain the clock movement is level once the clock is placed on the pad.

You can also (carefully) make a slight bend adjustment to the chime rod to move it away from the pendulum. Be very careful if you should make this adjustment, as you do not want to take a chance on breaking the chime rod from the casting. Also note that you may have to adjust the corresponding chime hammer afterwords.

Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:11 am     Post subject: All is fine now

I had a guy come out and look at the clock. He levelled the clock and gave it a much needed oiling. All seems to be fine now.

Thanks everyone for their suggestions.