Printed Clocks

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