Telegraph inker - clockwork problems - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

GMB · 28th May 2011, 10:13 am

Due to a minor malfunction the main spring of the clockwork motor has abruptly unwound itself - and now it won't wind up again.

I hope something hasn't broken as a result of this, but I don't know how main springs are usuallly attached to the outer cylinder. The problem is that it doesn't look like a trivial job to take it apart.

Is there any trick to getting it going again without disassembly?

Also, what sort of oil is right for the spring? (The clockwork drive seemed a bit un-powerful).

woodchips · 29th May 2011, 7:37 pm

Borrow a book on clock repair from the library? If it is anything like a clock mainspring then it is powerful. Usually just a punched hole engaging with a small stud inside the barrel, the force of the spring outwards keeps it pressed against the stud. To remove you have to wind it up until it starts slipping then wiggle a hose clip over the spring to hold it wound. Have to admit that it isn't something I would do, really is quite dangerous. See if there is a local model engineering club with someone who makes clocks. Bob

Mike Phelan · 30th May 2011, 9:11 am

If the spring is large and powerful, it will need grease. Smaller ones need turret clock oil or a mixture of oil and grease.

This has to be done when the spring is cleaaned and removed from the barrel; not a trivial job and there's a certain amount of danger. It can be done manually (with gloves and goggles) but a mainspring winder is the best way.

It's quite possible that the problem is just that the arbor has been reversed and the inner coil of the spring no longer grips the arbor hook, in which case it's only necessary to remove the arbor and close up the inner spring end with pliers.

If you were nearer I would be glad to sort it for you, so FCS if all else fails?

28th May 2011, 10:13 am	#1
GMB Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: near Reading (and sometimes Torquay) Posts: 3,100	Telegraph inker - clockwork problems Due to a minor malfunction the main spring of the clockwork motor has abruptly unwound itself - and now it won't wind up again. I hope something hasn't broken as a result of this, but I don't know how main springs are usuallly attached to the outer cylinder. The problem is that it doesn't look like a trivial job to take it apart. Is there any trick to getting it going again without disassembly? Also, what sort of oil is right for the spring? (The clockwork drive seemed a bit un-powerful).

29th May 2011, 7:37 pm	#2
woodchips Octode Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 1,177	Re: Telegraph inker - clockwork problems Borrow a book on clock repair from the library? If it is anything like a clock mainspring then it is powerful. Usually just a punched hole engaging with a small stud inside the barrel, the force of the spring outwards keeps it pressed against the stud. To remove you have to wind it up until it starts slipping then wiggle a hose clip over the spring to hold it wound. Have to admit that it isn't something I would do, really is quite dangerous. See if there is a local model engineering club with someone who makes clocks. Bob

30th May 2011, 9:11 am	#3
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Telegraph inker - clockwork problems If the spring is large and powerful, it will need grease. Smaller ones need turret clock oil or a mixture of oil and grease. This has to be done when the spring is cleaaned and removed from the barrel; not a trivial job and there's a certain amount of danger. It can be done manually (with gloves and goggles) but a mainspring winder is the best way. It's quite possible that the problem is just that the arbor has been reversed and the inner coil of the spring no longer grips the arbor hook, in which case it's only necessary to remove the arbor and close up the inner spring end with pliers. If you were nearer I would be glad to sort it for you, so FCS if all else fails? __________________ Mike.