CUCKOO CLOCK
REGULATION AND REPAIR TIPS
REF: 30 hour and 8 day clock
[From my shop notes:]
{FACT}
-1/8 inch movement of the pendulum bob is equal to about 3 min per 24 hours running.
-To increase the time of the clock, move pendulum up.
-To slow down the time move, pendulum down.
Regulation notes:
These novel clocks are at best only a "fair" time-keeper. You can expect 100 to 120 sec per 30-hour winding period. I recommend that if it is within a few minutes per winding, simply RE-set the time.
-The regulation obstacles are obvious:
1. Open pendulum, this allows even the slightest breeze from a fan, ceiling fan or even cross-winds inside your house to affect both time qualities and/or its running ability.
2. The Pendulum material is wooden, and sensitive to climatic condition, during times of high humidity the clock will slow down.
REPAIR TIPS:
1. Recommend regular servicing every 2 to 3 years for these unique clocks, mostly due to the fact that the movement is open to the elements (dust and dirt is easily deposited on the movement).
2. Sometimes the clock is "over weighted", meaning that the actual weight is to heavy for the clock. I have seen some very new clocks with the wrong weights added. Instead of the clock simply stopping after the lubrication qualities are gone it continues to run and ruined the bushings.
-To find the correct weight of a newly serviced clock, you can use a small scale. Anchor it to the floor, connect chain to the top end, wind it until it is more than double the weight of the existing weights, and then start the clock to running after the clock stops running, X's the weight figure on the scale by multiplying 1.25 or 1.35 X's the weight figure on the scale by 25 to 35 % maximum = the amount needed. [Example scale indicator is on 1 lb x 25% = 1.25 lb
BELLOW REPAIR:
-Unfortunately many repair persons have opted to simply replace the bellow, this is unfortunate because it can so easily be repaired.
-I use a "RE-COVERING BELLOWS" kit.
-This kit comes with bellow replacement material, glue, one wooden handling tool and great instructions.
DO NOT attempt to simply patch work this, it is not fair to the customer and it will not work long.
THE CHAIN:
If needed, don't be afraid to replace the chain as they are easily ordered and replaced. Most cost about $3 to $4 a piece.
The problems are:
-If there is a child, pet, or adult in the house, the chain can be stretched. If the chain becomes damaged, it will get hung up inside the clock. "Even one damaged link can stop the clock."
-Wrong size chain {the differences between 72 links per foot and 67 links per foot are easily confused). Recommend actually laying the chain on the chain drive gear and seeing if it fits.
MUSIC BOX GOVERNORS:
Clean and oil only. Check the pivots if worn. Don't waste your time to try and repair, just replace the Governor. Only the actual music drum can be sleeved with a new bushing. Cost for a new governor is about $5. Well worth having a few assorted governors in stock.
-If a complete replacement is necessary, the cost is about $40 to $50.
End.
· REGULATION AND SHOP TIPS
· 1000, 400 and 100 day Rotating Regulator
· Cuckoo
David Duncan OWNER ANTIQUE CLOCK SHOP
(c) David Duncan 1999/-/2003
