Longcase repeat – operating cord/string

[Rob McSweeneyParticipant @robmcsweeney81205]

[Rob McSweeneyParticipant @robmcsweeney81205]

On a longcase clock with repeat, where does the operating cord emerge? Does it hang down inside the case, or emerge from the side of the hood?

On the movement I am currently working on, the hole in the little projection on the warning lever (does it have a name?) is tiny, less than 1mm, and I am wondering how a cord could be attached – was it a very thin but strong thread, such as silk, or would there have been a wire ring through the hole?

Many thanks in anticipation, Rob.

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Perhaps gut is an option.  I believe it is sometimes used for fusees.  Available down to .45mm from the Early Music Shop **LINK**   Fretting gut is cheaper than the gut used for strings.

HTH,

Rod

Edited By Roderick Jenkins on 26/02/2021 20:17:12

[Peter Cook 6Participant @petercook6]

Can't speak for a long case, but I have a Vienna wall clock with repeat. The repeat cord comes out through the side of the case, which makes sense as you would not want to open the case to activate the repeat (It would probably be dark).

The "cord" on mine is heavy sewing thread 0.9mm dia. it is threaded through the lever and has a knot tied to stop it pulling through

0.85mm thread has a break strength of 85lbs. If the repeat takes that much load you have other problems with the movement!

Edited By Peter Cook 6 on 26/02/2021 21:07:39

[Rob McSweeneyParticipant @robmcsweeney81205]

Thank you Rod and Peter.

Rob

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

Posted by Peter Cook 6 on 26/02/2021 20:59:56:

0.85mm thread has a break strength of 85lbs. If the repeat takes that much load you have other problems with the movement!

Edited By Peter Cook 6 on 26/02/2021 21:07:39

I use this thread, but not in the clock context and the issue is wearing through rather than breaking, so I would try to ensure there is no movement where it passes through a metal arm or similar.

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