pendulum support springs

pendulum support springs

This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 16 September 2026 at 13:44 by Michael Gilligan.

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15 September 2026 at 23:43 #865122
gerry madden
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@gerrymadden53711
I have over the last few months ploughed through R J Matthys book on pendulum design. For most of it he seems to be suggesting Be-Cu is the best all-round material for suspension springs. Then, right at the end he suddenly seems to change his mind and tells us to go for Al-Bronze!

Other sources suggest that the Al-bronze has poor fatigue resistance and is not easily solderable. If true these don’t seem to make it such a great choice, overall. I guess it’s all about what parameter we all rate highest.

Anyone care to comment on their experiences?

Gerry
Advert

16 September 2026 at 08:52 #865167
roy entwistle
Participant
@royentwistle24699
For the majority of clocks that I have repaired I have used feeler gauges

Roy
16 September 2026 at 09:13 #865172
bernard towers
Participant
@bernardtowers37738
I use feeler guage as well
16 September 2026 at 09:50 #865179
John Haine
Participant
@johnhaine32865
I generally use CuBe, originally on Matthys’ recommendation and because I have a lifetime’s supply of it! (Happy to share a bit.) I’ve never had any fracture. Feeler gauge is also often used. Best is NiSpan-C which is an alloy formulated for zero tempco of elasticity with temperature.
16 September 2026 at 13:44 #865204
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
A couple of comments on the Matthys book, if I may …

These will probably be obvious to the small group of current participants, but might be useful to newcomers.
1. The book is clearly compiled from years of work and does not “flow” particularly well … I found it helpful to skim through everything and then go back to study individual chapters at leisure.
2. The high-spot for me was his discussion of ‘Solid one-piece suspension springs’ [CHAPTER 18 and its Appendix] … But it’s all good stuff !!
MichaelG.

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