Grandfather Clock repair and tune-up                                                                               October 2, 2024

SEN notes

Scott Hampton of Clocks, Etc. in Lafayette (store closing at end of year, new workshop will keep repair business going). 

https://clocksetc.net/

https://clocksetc.net/pages/expert-clock-repair

Scott freed the second cable and re-hung both weights, adjusted the pendulum, oiled the clock, and adjusted the beat (the secondhand tick) so it was even.

Oil the clock every seven years. Oil is Swiss-made especially for clocks. A synthetic oil can be purchased from Scott. (I think I have a tube of it.)

The clock is very well-built. Not too many issues with wear and tear but it does need cleaning.

Left weight is the strike (chime). Right weight is the time

Wind the clock every 7 days (weekly). It’s actually an 8-day clock. Normal winding: until 1 -2 inches of weight shows below top edge of window when the door is closed.

If you’re going away for more than 8 days, stop the clock. Wind the weights up high, then stop the clock by stopping the pendulum. This prevents the weights from ending up at the bottom which would not be good for the clock.

To change the time: move the minute hand backward.  The hour hand will follow. You can also wind it forward, but if you do, stop at each ½ hour and wait for the chime before proceeding.

Currently, at noon, the chime should stop ringing after 12 chimes but it doesn’t. This is because there are problems with the gathering palate and rack. This can be fixed in the shop. Alternatively, if the clock were running and not stopping (while waiting for time in the workshop), you could turn the chime to silent after 9 or 10 o’clock then turn back to chime after 12 o’clock. This would mean you would not have to listen to continuous chimes at 12 o’clock.

“Clock art” settings: 10:10 or 8:20 (used in advertising images.)  Can gently adjust moon disk.

If the clock stopped working because it needs cleaning. There is accumulated dirt and grime (likely, it has not been cleaned since 1910). Cleaning is a 4 – 6 months process in the workshop involving disassembly and ultrasonic processes. The clock mechanism is removed, cleaned, repaired, and replaced. We will get on the wait list for repairs. Expect workshop up and running after the first of the year.