wheel train of grandfather clocks

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GRANDFATHER CLOCKS FOR HOME …….…… Wheel Train of Your Grandfather Clock Understanding Grandfather Clocks: Part V Nancy Sander HTTP ://G RANDFATHER C LOCKSFOR H OME . COM /

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"Wheel Train of Grandfather Clocks" is the fifth in a 10 part article series of "Understanding Grandfather Clocks." The next two articles are "A Pendulum Clock," and "Pendulum Clock: Part 2." Have fun Discovering Grandfather Clocks.

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Page 1: Wheel Train of Grandfather Clocks

GRANDFATHER CLOCKS FOR HOME

…….……

Wheel Train of Your

Grandfather Clock

Understanding Grandfather Clocks: Part V Nancy Sander

H T T P : / / G R A N D F A T H E R C L O C K S F O R H O M E . C O M /

Page 2: Wheel Train of Grandfather Clocks

Understanding Grandfather Clocks

Part V: Wheel Train of Grandfather Clocks

[Army Service Corps Training Illustration (1911) Gear Wheels, Compound Train: Courtesy of Wikipedia]

Within the study of time, clocks (horology), and especially Grandfather Clocks, etc, there is often a reference to a wheel train, or the word train. To help us understand the working of the Grandfather Clock, a wheel train is a gear train (See Grandfather Clock Terms). It can be found in both mechanical clocks (Grandfather Clocks) and watches.

Although the term is used for other types of gear trains, the long history of mechanical timepieces has created a traditional terminology for their gear trains, which is not used in other applications of gears.

Watch movements are very standardized, and the wheel trains of most mechanical watches have the same parts.

The wheel trains of clocks are a little more diverse. This diversification lies in the different

number of wheels utilized. This depends on the type of clock, and how many hours the clock runs between windings.

However, the ‘wheel trains’ of clocks and watches share the same terminology, and are

similar enough that they can be described together:

The large gears in timepieces are generally called ‘wheels.’

The smaller gears with which the ‘larger’ mesh are called pinions.

The shafts that the wheels and pinions are mounted on are called arbors.

The wheels are mounted between the plates of the whole movement. The pivots are rotating in holes in the plates.

The pivot holes have semicircular depressions around them. These are called oil cups. These oil cups hold the oil in contact with the shaft.

There are several wheel trains in a typical clock or watch. Whew… that sure was a mouth full. I attempted to keep the proper terminology, all the

while simplifying the English. I trust that I have accomplished my goal, and you have a clearer mental picture of the wheel train and the internal workings of Grandfather Clocks.

Page 3: Wheel Train of Grandfather Clocks

Grandfather Clocks for Home Grandfather Clocks for Home: All Product Page The Wheel Train in Grandfather Clocks END NOTES: "Mechanical clock: p.3 The wheelwork". Encyclopaedia Britannica online. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc.. 2008. http://original.britannica.com/eb/article-258097/clock. Retrieved 2008-07-06. Milham, Willis I. (1945). Time and Timekeepers. New York: MacMillan. pp. p.178. ISBN 0780800087.

It is our mission here at GRANDFATHER CLOCKS FOR HOME to provide these lovely timepieces at a truly affordable price for everyone. Quality craftsmanship, dependable movements, excellent woodworking all combine to create a beautiful grandfather clock for your home or your loved ones. Your grandchildren will value this superior heirloom piece at an affordable price.

Learn more in the next article on Grandfather Clocks: “A Pendulum Clock”

Grandfather Clocks for Home Grandfather Clocks for Home: All Product Page The Wheel Train in Grandfather Clocks