Merlin band clock

[Ken RatcliffeParticipant @kenratcliffe25229]

[Ken RatcliffeParticipant @kenratcliffe25229]

Hi All,

As wells a PYRTE traction engine on the go, I am working on a Merlin Band clock, but have come to a bit of problem. The construction book says to use a Module 0.6 cutter, but a quick search shows that these are not easy to come by. I am able to make a fly cutter to create these gears….I think ! But I need to know what size and shape to make the tool to be equivalent to the module 0.6 cutter. So.……if any one can help – or if anyone knows of a source of a module 0,.6 cutter, I can progress this project while waiting for some materials for PYRTE !

Ken

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

PP Thornton list both wheel and pinion cutters for 0.6 module, though they are expensive!

The usual source for cutter making information is Wheel and Pinion Cutting in Horology by J Malcolm Wild – available from Amazon.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Aliexpress.com has 0.6 module gear cutters for about 6 quid each. I have been pleased with the quality of other gear cutters and milling cutters bought from Aliexpress over several years. Crazy cheap and totally useable quality every time so far.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

They look a steal at that price. Note however that they are almost certainly involute tooth form which isn't "traditional" for clocks. That also means that the minimum pinion tooth count is probably 12 which may or may not be OK for Ken's clock.

[Stephen BensonParticipant @stephenbenson75261]

0.6 is a common module for clocks so you should be able to sell it after you have used it as long as it is a Thornton one and they do come up on Ebay quite often just search for PP Thornton

[Ken RatcliffeParticipant @kenratcliffe25229]

I will bite the bullet and go for a PP Thornton wheel cutter-this wil not be the last clock I make, so hopefully years of use. Couple of questions though before I part with hard earned cash…….I was assuming square bottom, but is there ant advantage to round bottom for a Module 0.6 ?

Also, looking at the picture it doesn't appear to have the usual slot to hold it in place on the arbor, am I missing something – i.e. id it is just a round hole, how does it get secured on the mill ?

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Presumably this is the wheel cutter. Unless the Merlin clock uses lantern pinions you will need pinion cutters as well.

If the wheel cutter is 0.6 Mod the pinion cutter is usually 0.55 Mod and you will need one for each number of pinion teeth required. I'm afraid I don't know the Merlin clock. The cutters don't have a keyway you usually trap it between washers.

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Presumably this is the wheel cutter. Unless the Merlin clock uses lantern pinions you will need pinion cutters as well.

If the wheel cutter is 0.6 Mod the pinion cutter is usually 0.55 Mod and you will need one for each number of pinion teeth required. I'm afraid I don't know the Merlin clock. The cutters don't have a keyway you usually trap it between washers.

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