Regulator Clock Construction

This book describes the construction of two different clock projects - an eight day regulator clock and a month going regulator clock - and features full-page fully-dimensionalised working drawings supported by detailed photographs. It also includes instructions and plans for constructing glazed wood cases for each project. It is intended for model engineering hobbyists with basic facilities to enable them to venture into the field of horology by building their own precision clocks which can become treasured family heirlooms. The term 'regulator' simply describes a precision clock. Every clockmaker and repairer needs such an instrument to use in regulating his repair and new work. The typical English regulator, as described in the first section, beats at one second intervals and will run for eight days between winding. The second project is a month going regulator clock, an equally high precision type which will run for a whole month between winding. This book is based on a popular series of popular articles originally published over many years in Model Engineer magazine.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS. SECTION 1: An Eight-Day Regulator Clock: Plates and Pillars; Wheels; Crossing Out the Wheels; Lantern Pinions; Collets and Depthing Tool; Planting the Wheel Train; Drilling the Plates; Barrels; Main Barrel Assembly; Bearing Housings and End-stones; Centre Arbor; Fitting the Ball Races and Assembly; Back Cock; End-stones; Arbors; Maintaining Detent; Chapter Ring, Materials and Pillars; Fitting the Arbors; Dead Beat Escapement - Vulliamy Pallets; Crutch and Beat-Adjuster; Completing the First Assembly of Movement; Movement Mounting Bracket and Suspension Bracket; Pendulum and its Components; Line Anchor Bracket and Weight Pulley; First Test Running; The Weights; Hands and Minute Clutch; Finishing the Dials; Conclusion. A Glazed Case for This Clock: Materials; General Description; Construction; Finishing. SECTION 2: A Month-Going Regulator Clock: Materials; Making the Plates; Pillars, Nuts and Washer; Machining Methods; The Wheels; Crossing Out; Combined Wheel Collets and Lantern Pinions; Depthing the Wheel Train; Drilling, Milling and Trepanning the Plates; Bearing Housings, End-stones and Eccentric Bushes; The Arbors; The Barrels; Pallet Frame and Pallet Nibs; Setting the Escapement Action; Crutch and Beat Adjuster; Motion Work; Mounting Bracket; Suspension and Pendulum Rod; Pendulum Bob; Weights and Pulleys; Polishing and Preparation for Testing; Lubrication and Initial Test; Engraving the Chapter Ring; Marking Out and Cutting Numerals; Filling and Silvering; The Hands; An Optional Seconds Indicator; Conclusion. A Glazed Case for This Clock: Materials; General Description; Construction; Finishing. SECTION 3: Appendix: Ball-races; Barrels; Beat Adjustment; Bluing; Carbon Fibre; Crossing Out; Dividing; Drills; Filling Engraving; Gear Teeth; Lacquer; Loctite; Lubrication; Mechanical Clock; Metals; Pendulum Rods; Pendulum Bob; Pinions; Platform; Time Keeping; Weights and Lines. List of Suppliers.

About the Author :
Peter Heimann is an Associate Member of the British Horological Institute and is actively involved with the repair and restoration requirements of the City of Bristol Museums

Review :
The publisher has built a very successful niche in special interest books of a technical and engineering nature. This is a worthy addition to the list. The author has described the design and construction of an 8 day regulator clock that requires only a modest selection of engineering tools and which could be built using components made to order by an engineering company. The result is a fine clock with an open dial that provides a view of most of the clock works, mounted in a wooden case with three sides in glass. As a clock, it will provide good time keeping. As an engineering project it will build into a satisfying and practical item that requires only wall space. As an object, it makes a good taking point. The descriptive text is well written and provides a very easy to follow guide to building the clock. The text is accompanied by very clear engineering drawings that provide all of the detail necessary to complete the components and assemble the clock - firetrench.com.