PUTTING A CLOCK IN BEAT:
All clocks must have maximum power transfer to the pendulum or they will
not run dependably. This means they must be in beat. Try to imagine the pendulum and
verge as a swing and the person pushing as the escape wheel. When the clock is in beat
the escape wheel gives the pendulum a push at just the right time in the same way as a
person gives the swing a push just as it arrives back and at the instant it starts back
on its return trip.
The verge clutch will usually allow the beat to be set by adjusting the position
of the impulse arm until it is at the true center at rest with the mechanism and case set
level and plumb. Be very careful when setting the beat; sometimes the verge clutch is
set so tight that the escape wheel teeth can be bent without realizing it.
If the beat is set, but the clock gets in beat ant they out of beat; check for
bent escape wheel teeth if the the in beat and out of beat: has a regular repeating
pattern. If there is not a regular pattern then the problem is probably a loose verge.
The clutch can be ok but the verge can be loose on the shaft.
when setting the beat on a clock if possible do it by sight and sound.
Setting the beat on a balance wheel is just as important as the beat on the
pendulum units. The hairspring collar can usually be moved if need be, it is a delicate
operation. Practice on spare parts!
CENTERPOST CAM REMOVAL:
Quite often it becomes necessary to remove the centerpost cam so that the
hand end of the centerpost can be rebushed.Be sure the plate is adequately braced and
supply solid surface for the support. The surface must be as solid as a cement floor.
In fact I have had to use the cement floor as a support many times. If the support
surface has any give you will end up destroying the shaft , and possibly the cam also.
If the collar is made correctly and the punches are used and made correctly , it
will be possible to remove almost any center post cam. When the centerpost is
off be sure to taper it with emery paper before reinstalling the cam. Remember
it will only take a few minutes to do. remember if the centerpost bushing is worn
it will have to bee rebushed or the clock will not work. I have observed many
repairs come back to haunt those who thought they could get by with a fast job
and a quick buck. This end remember usually has the chime trip cam if it wiggles
up and down or side to side the trip position will be erratic and too the self
correct will not work.
Another word about cam removal in general: sometimes they will pop
off when you are not ready , go flying somewhere out of sight and you will not
be able to find them. One good way to avoid loosing them is to put a rag over the
cam when you are working it loose: this will hold it if it pops loose before you expect.