Clock gear fix

[Andy SprouleParticipant @andysproule22368]

[Andy SprouleParticipant @andysproule22368]

Hi,going to fix missing teeth on a clock gear by dovetailing a bit of brass in and cutting teeth.It has to be soldered in place and have read that soft solder is used most of the time ,Tix seems a popular choice.Some silver solder but there seems to bee a concern about over heating the brass.Anybody done this and would have advice?Is there a substitue for Tix solder?

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Personally: I would not risk silver soldering a wheel which may have been made from ‘leaded brass’

MichaelG.

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

Certainly do not use silver solder for that job, you might distort the wheel if you get it too hot.

I have used Tix for soldering new teeth into musical box combs, it works a treat and is a lot stronger than normal soft solder, make sure to use the correct flux that comes with it though.

Phil

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

or just cutting another wheel would be quicker.

Martin

[Andy SprouleParticipant @andysproule22368]

Thank you for the replies.Martin could you really make this gear quicker than inserting brass and making teeth?

[RJWParticipant @rjw]

Andy, is that from the strike train, the wheel that lifts the hammer arbour?

which make of clock is it from? looks like it may be a 20th century type such as Hermele or Smiths Empire etc,

If you let me know what it is, I've got dozens of wheels and several broken movements here and can probably fit you up with a replacement, they usually take a hit from the recoil when the mainspring breaks,

The best way to repair these is by cutting a section out of a similar wheel and dovetailing it into the damaged unit, quite easy to do, just take your time and easy with the fret saw,

The new section only needs soft soldering because the wheels don't carry enough load to cause any angst, even on antique longcase movements.

John

Edited By RJW on 07/01/2020 19:13:19

[Andy SprouleParticipant @andysproule22368]

Hi John,I have sent you a pm.

[Stephen BensonParticipant @stephenbenson75261]

I do this all the time, do not silver solder Tix will be fine and no need to dovetail either depending on the size I use a screw head slotting file but any flat edge cutting file will do as long as it is not too large or coarse

Edited By Stephen Benson on 07/01/2020 21:56:37

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Posted by Andy Sproule on 07/01/2020 18:37:14:

Thank you for the replies.Martin could you really make this gear quicker than inserting brass and making teeth?

Probably. It would take me less time to cross it out than it would to splice a piece in. You would need to set up for cutting the teeth anyway whatever method was employed. Not critisising your approach merely suggesting another route to a fix.

regards Martin

[Andy SprouleParticipant @andysproule22368]

Thank you for all replies.

[Author]

Posts