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SP17 Clutch Slipping

Have SP17 running very well, however, I do seem to have slippage in the wire clutch setup. I seen that a few people have had this problem.

Any hints how to make the clutch "stronger".

I also have another question. When a ball bearing enters the first top chamber, the next ball bearing is pressing on it. Sometimes, the clock stops as there is not enough energy to overcome the force of the next inline ball pressing on the one that has just entered the chamber. This is more prevalent if the top rail is full of ball bearings. Has anyone had this problem???

Cheers

Krys S

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Steve

6 hours ago

I am curious why a few builders have mentioned issues with the new wire clutch. I find it to be more consistent than the pen spring version. It does require stiff wire that springs back. I use steel with a diameter of 0.060" (1.52mm). I should do some bending tests to find out the exact characteristics. When assembled on a 3mm arbor, a 5.5g weight hanging on the teeth will hold steady and a 6.5g weight will slip.

The balls should protrude high enough above the surface of the ball drops that the next ball rolls over the top of the first ball and lands on the edge of the ball cup. It should not fall into a pocket in the ball cup. It also should not push the ball aside and have to climb over the first ball.

There is practically zero friction loading balls from the upper ramp on my clock even with a completely full ramp. If your clock is different, I would like to understand why and find a solution. Friction at the upper ramp should be obvious when loading balls for the first time. Can you try to figure out where the friction is coming from? Does the next ball fall into a pocket? Or does it fall behind the first ball?

I am using 3/4" carbon steel balls that ship with a light oil coating. They feel identical to chrome steel balls that I purchased but have not loaded into the clock yet.

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