Pendulums
Pendulums are available for almost all types of clocks and the correct length
is often stamped on the back-plate of mass produced clocks. American clocks are
in inches, German in mm, and French in lignes. How to calcuate the length of a French clock pendulum from the
numbers on the backplate If you multiply the first part by 27.07 (the millimetres in a Pouce) and the second part by 2.256 (the millimetres in a Ligne) you will find the original pendulum length. To take our example of 4.2: 4 * 27.07 = 108.28 2 * 2.256 = 4.512 108.28 + 4.512 = 112.792mm Of course this is far too accurate a conversion, but we know the pendulum in
our example should be between 110 - 115mm long. When cutting a new pendulum rod,
it is always wise to cut it on the long side, with the Brocot adjuster up. Drill
out the hook to be a tight friction fit and test the formula before finally
cutting to length and riveting the hook in place. French clocks usually have the movement serial number stamped on the pendulum. If there is any discrepancy in this and the number on the backplate, and the clock cannot be regulated, it may not be the correct pendulum. French pendulums are available in two types: Silk suspension - A small brass disc on the end of a fine rod hangs from the silk thread at the top. A brass block is on the rod, level with the crutch forks. Metal suspensions - Three sizes are available
There are two ways to fit the hook to one of these pendulums Cut the rod to the correct length and then either:
Why doesn't a new hook fit a new rod? A new French hook is designed to fit any rod, not just new ones, so the hook and its hole has to be small. A new rod is designed to fit most common bobs, so has to be larger than some original rods. To make them fit each other, enlarge the hole in the hook as much as possible without weakening it. Reduce the diameter of the rod where it goes into the hook with a flat file. Some repairers thread both items to make a quality fit. Others make the items a friction fit and either silver solder them apply a little adhesive. A supplier cannot reduce the diameter of the rod for you because you will have to cut it to length first. Repairing Your Own Clocks by Mervyn Passmore |