Troubleshooting Forestville Mantel Clocks: The Hassle When Things Malfunction! Continuation
Repairing a Forestville Mantel Clock: A Detailed Account
A nondescript Art Deco-style German clock, sold under the Forestville name in the 1960s, recently required servicing due to a broken pivot on the center wheel of its front plate. Here's a step-by-step account of the repair process.
Inspection and Cleaning
The first step was to thoroughly clean the clock movement, removing dirt and old lubricants. This allowed for a detailed assessment of the pivot hole and arbor (shaft) condition.
Pivot Removal
Carefully removing the broken pivot without damaging the wheel or other parts followed. This delicate work often involves the use of files and fine drills.
Bushing Installation
Given the wear on the time side of the clock, requiring at least three new bushings, two on the front plate and one on the back, these were installed to restore proper fit and alignment.
Pivot Fabrication
When the pivot shaft itself was broken, a new pivot was made by turning a replacement pivot on a lathe or carefully filing a brass or steel wire to the correct diameter and shape. The new pivot was then secured with high-strength Permatex Threadlocker Red.
Reassembly and Lubrication
After replacing the pivot and/or bushings, the mechanism was assembled, lubricated with appropriate clock oil, and tested for smooth running and correct operation.
Testing the Clock
Following reassembly, the clock was tested and found to be functioning correctly, with the strike side going into warning and striking on the half-hour as it should. The time side is yet to be tested.
Resources for Repair
Assorted brass bushings to fit various pivot hole sizes can be purchased online from clock parts suppliers. Demonstrations of pivot repair techniques on antique German clocks can be found in video tutorials showing how to file or lathe new pivots and install bushings.
This approach preserves the clock’s mechanism and restores proper function while respecting the vintage German Art Deco style of the Forestville mantel clock. For those lacking experience, it is advisable to consult or hire a qualified clock repair professional who specializes in antique or vintage German clocks.
It's worth noting that the Forestville Clock Company of Canada is not associated with the Black Forest region of Germany. The mainspring barrels of the Forestville mantel clock were more difficult to reassemble than anticipated, requiring precision to catch on their hooks.
Finally, it's important to mention that the hairspring escapement was not cleaned during this service due to its potential finicky nature and no pressing need if the movement has been running beforehand. The rack and snail movement is relatively simple to work on with all adjustments on the outside of the plates, except for the stop wheel. The escape wheel of the Forestville mantel clock runs well after oiling the pivots, excluding the jewelled ones.
- This process demonstrates the importance of servicing vintage clocks, like the Forestville Mantel Clock, even when their mechanical parts, such as the pivot on the center wheel, need repair.
- For those interested in home-and-garden gadgets, mechanical clocks like the Forestville Mantel Clock, with their unique vintage design and lifestyle appeal, can make beautiful additions to any home.
- In the realm of technology, the art of servicing mechanical clocks like the Forestville Mantel Clock remains a valuable skill, showcasing the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern problem-solving techniques.
