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Practical Clock Repairing


Synopsis


The repair of clocks calls for a variety of skills and crafts, few of which can be 'picked up' by bench work alone. In the horological trade, it is technical practice that the 'prentice hand' is first tried out on clocks, before attempting repair work on watches. Clocks have the advantage of possessing sizeable and robust parts and of being easier to handle. But there the advantage for the repairer ends. The sizes, shapes, complications and even the nationalities of clocks appear to be without end. Every movement has detail difference and, naturally, the defects when due for repair, are as varied. In this book, the author has dealt with the usual faults likely to develop in each type of movement in general use; from the lordly grandfather to the humble alarm. All the tools and equipment are described and illustrated, together with the ways of using them. The craftsman's most important and valuable tools of all - his skilful fingers - are shown in use in the clearest manner. As is usual in N.A.G. Press textbooks, the drawings have been specially made from parts under working conditions. A glance through the book will show their usefulness and clarity. Over 400 line drawings are used throughout and the reader is left in no doubt of what he is asked to do in following the author's clearly written technical and practical instructions.

Donald De Carle

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Clocks

* Summary: Introduction to different types of clocks (mechanical, quartz, atomic) and their components.
* Example: Mechanical pendulum clock with escapement and weights.

Chapter 2: Tools and Techniques

* Summary: Basic tools and techniques used in clock repair, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and lubrication.
* Example: Using a screwdriver to adjust the length of the pendulum.

Chapter 3: Mechanical Clocks

* Summary: Anatomy and principles of operation of mechanical clocks, including mainspring, escapement, balance wheel, and gear train.
* Example: Repairing a grandfather clock with a faulty mainspring.

Chapter 4: Quartz Clocks

* Summary: Electronics and components of quartz clocks, including the quartz oscillator, battery, and display.
* Example: Replacing a battery in a quartz wristwatch.

Chapter 5: Atomic Clocks

* Summary: Precision and applications of atomic clocks, including their use in timekeeping standards and GPS navigation.
* Example: Calibrating an atomic clock using a radio signal transmitted by a cesium-based atomic clock.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance

* Summary: Common problems and solutions for clocks, such as ticking, stopping, and accuracy issues.
* Example: Diagnosing and repairing a clock that is running too fast.

Chapter 7: Clock Repair in Practice

* Summary: Step-by-step guide to repairing various types of clocks, including wall clocks, mantle clocks, and grandfather clocks.
* Example: Disassembling and cleaning a wall clock with a broken gear.

Chapter 8: Advanced Clock Repair

* Summary: Complex repairs, such as replacing a movement, aligning a balance wheel, and repairing a hairspring.
* Example: Replacing the hairspring in a pocket watch with a broken balance wheel.

Chapter 9: Clock Restoration

* Summary: Techniques for restoring and preserving antique clocks, including cleaning, refinishing, and replacing damaged components.
* Example: Restoring a grandfather clock with a cracked case.

Chapter 10: Special Types of Clocks

* Summary: Unique and specialized clocks, such as astronomical clocks, astronomical regulators, and marine chronometers.
* Example: Calibrating an astronomical clock based on the stars.