To calibrate a candle clock, you need two identical candles, a marker and a regular clock or watch. Lift one side of the clock gently two inches, then put it down, to start the pendulum swinging. The clock must always rest on a firm surface. Around 1880, a German clock maker, Anton Harder, patented a torsion suspension clock that worked for a year with just one winding. The truth is, a clock must be “in beat” to run. A few well-placed books add subtle dimension, while a vase of yellow flowers provides restrained pop. The top of the hour is like a grand finale where the chiming is at its longest, followed by the striking of the hour. Listen to the clock. Mantel Clock Setup: Place clock on table with back facing you. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. The cup under the lower tip of the rotating pendulum indicates the level. If it appears to be keeping time correctly, monitor it for 24 hours and compare times again to determine whether it needs adjusting. If you have a striking/chiming clock allow the chime to finish before you move the hand on. The clock may be level but it still needs to be in beat. This is the basis for this clock myth that continues to cause concern in amateur horologists. If this is not the case then the surface you have put the clock on is probably not level. How to Hang a Clock Above a Mantle 1. Read the article 'Beat setting 101' (to find it, go to the top of main page then go to Clock Repair and click on the How to do it section. Differentiating it from the carriage clock is the fact that it has a pendulum rather … Setting The Beat of the Pendulum Clock. Set an electric timer for one hour. My mantel over the fireplace is not level. Measure the width of your mantel. A mantel is a natural focal point in a room, whether a living room, family room, or dining room. As the home of the mantel clock, these clocks hold a certain level of superiority due to the concentration of experienced clockmakers found in this region of the world. It should have an even tick. These "anniversary clocks" were also called "400-day clocks" and "1,000-day clocks" to indicate winding frequency. Adjust your clock to the correct time Adjust your pendulum clock to the correct time and then set the clock on a level surface and check that it is wound appropriately or not. This is what time your hourly striker is set to. If your clock has cable-driven movement, fit blocks of hard foam (approximately 2 inches square) or rolls of newspaper (about 2 inches in diameter) above each of the pulleys between the cables. 2. Another popular French mantel clock is the four-glass (which looks like a large carriage clock with a pendulum), so-called because the sides, front and back are all glazed. 3. If a clock is not level side to side and front to back, (or close) the bob may hit the case. Avoid placing the clock directly in front of or below a radiator, or a heating or air conditioning vent. A large clock in a dining room is a nice alternative to a traditional buffet and hutch. The tip should hang in the center of this cup. Center it around the firebox. With other types of clock – wall clocks, bracket clocks, mantle clocks, whether weight-driven or spring-driven, the principle of setting it into beat is exactly the same. If the beat is irregular like: tock,tick-----tock,tick- an adjustment must be made or the clock will stop. • SETTING UP YOUR CLOCK Located in the shipping carton with the clock will be a key to wind the clock. Although this doesn't sound too terrible, a clock is meant to run at full throttle. The clock must be level in order to run properly. With the height of the mantel identified, determine the center of the fireplace and mark it at the determined height. To set the clock, move the minute hand gentle round the clock to the correct time. I just kept adding cards until it sounded good to me, and has been working ever since. If a clock is out of beat, the pendulum will swing for a few minutes, then stop even if the clock case is level. Determine the center of the cleat and mark it. In the bedroom: If your headboard is low enough, consider a large clock as a way to keep track of quality ‘time’ in the bedroom! When a minute is up mark the second candle at the level of the burned candle. The dining room. Case strike is frequently the problem with grandfather clocks. If provided on your model, the shipping carton may also include a pendulum and finial that are separately packed. To see more of this large clock and the open layout it lives in, click here. Wind the weights up one at a time until they come to a stop, so that the paper rolls (or the foam blocks) are tightly jammed above the pulleys. Place a 3-foot level across the mantel and check for level. Chime clocks are famous for the resonant melodies that play every 15 minutes. To adjust your mantel clock chime, proceed with the following step: Adjusting the Hourly Chime. A mantel clock with a Westminster chime I was told' the sound of which I hadn't heard since my pre-teen years! Open the back door, hang the pendulum on the hook, and close the door. Mantel clock Chime Adjustment. Hold the center of the cleat up to the center of the fireplace. If you have bought or moved a Grandfather Clock, or a Wall Clock or Mantel clock and it just wont go, despite running quite well before you moved it, here is what you need to do: - First, make sure your clock is vertical on the floor or wall, or level horizontally if it is a mantle or shelf clock. It's no doubt a common run-of-the-mill mantel clock which were popular back in the day. French mantel clocks are surrounded by an aura of authenticity that is difficult to challenge. And they don't like vibration. If your clock is on a surface that tilts it in one direction, this will throw off the timekeeping mechanisms. Tap shims under the legs as necessary until it's level both ways. Beat setting 101 is near the top of the list which will come up). Here, a black clock detail on a white wall maintains an air of cool sophistication, which is maintained in the mantel’s display of black candlesticks and white candles. Place the mantel against the wall (you may need a helper for this). All pendulum run wall and mantel clocks must be level and (if a wall clock) flush against the wall. When your mantel clock chimes, count the number of times it chimes. However, when the chiming becomes less pleasing to the ear, an adjustment is required. Then you need to swing the ball to the left for it to start. howard miller wall clocks and howard miller mantel clocks instruction guide howard miller clocks instruction manual for mechanical keywound wall clocks and mantle clocks time adjustment figure 1 follow these steps to set up wall and mantel clocks. WALL AND MANTEL CLOCK INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SET UP WALL AND MANTEL CLOCKS. Using a small piece of flat cardboard under the case to level the clock … My friend said her brother mentioned a way to stop it the clock gaining time and I found my way to your site. Being off level is the most common reason for the pendulum to be blocked during its swing. Instead, most clock owners don't wind the clock enough because they're worried they will wind it too tightly and that will be the end of the long-running piece. It depends on the clock. Use a torpedo level to see if the shelf is level front to back. Often, a pendulum strikes the case after a clock is moved to a new location. If the mantel clock is keeping incorrect time, it needs adjustment. False. Mantel clocks weren't as precise as long-case clocks, their shorter pendulums and tighter springs throw movements out of balance pretty easily. Avoid placing the cabinet in direct sunlight. Divide the measurement in half to find the center of the mantel. Measure the height... 2. The “beat” of a clock refers to the sound a clock makes when it ticks. For optimal operation, your clock should be positioned on a flat, level floor.