Hi all, I have been trying to get my SP13 running for a few weeks now without any luck. The issue is that the pendulum loses amplitude after 5-10 minutes and then the escapement stops. What is confusing is the escapement has lots of energy as it rapidly rotates between clicks and once the clock stops, if I slightly move the pendulum manually the escapement rapidly rotates so there is plenty of energy but the pendulum wont let it out!
Here is what I have already checked and tried...
All gears run smoothly on their arbors.
All arbors have free motion forward and backwards in the frame, they are not pinched, the frame is not sagging.
Pendulum free run test = OK. I am using the kit supplied bearings. The pendulum swings for >15 minutes without the escapement.
Changed bob weight from 100 to 300 g, no change.
Drive weight. I have tried from 1.5 to 4.5 kg in 250g increments and this makes no difference.
Free run test = OK. Without the pallet the clock runs smoothly and continuously with only 1 kg weight. I have run it to the ground three times now and i has not stopped once.
As you can see I'm very confused as there appears to be plenty of energy and low friction but the pendulum drops from 5 degrees wing to less than 1 degree in just a few minutes and I cannot understand why.
Thanks for your help,
Al
Hi Steve, appreciate the detailed and quick answer. Before I source some lubricant I am going to re-run the pendulum free swing test as that definitely seems to be the source of the issue.
One thing I'd like to add as I was messing about with it last night, the clock runs fine with only the pallet and first 1/3 of the pendulum attached and no bob. Obviously it ticks very quickly but it doesn't lose energy, in fact it ran in this state all night! Not really sure what that means but seems to confirm that there is plenty of energy in the clock but the pendulum as is cannot let it out.
Once again appreciate the information I will report further on the pendulum free test and the lubrication. I'd really love to get it running.
Cheers, Al