Synchronome clock build

[markotime]

Howdy, have finished remachining of the Synchronome clock pivot bearings, replacing the clock type broached pivot bearings with Dynaroll ball bearings, PN# SR0 A5, open style, .0469 bore diameter.
That's one of the bearings on the 1906 Indian head penny. The brass bearing holders are 1/4 x28 threaded rod, they are screwed into the clock back with lock nuts, to adjust for endshake. The bearing plates are machined for ball bearings also.
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Years ago, someone in NAWCC or BHI posted the results of a study using small ball bearings in place of friction bushings,
and concluded that where back and forth movement was involved, the bearing tended to wear and eventually cause problems,
while continuous rotation locations did benefit over the long term. Just sayin'. But I love the idea! Nice work!

 

[dkemppai]

Well, the clock has been running for more than 24 hours now, still on the workbench and not really ready for prime time.
...

I realize this is a very old thread...

Do you happen to have any updates on the progress of the clock, how it turned out, etc?

Dan

 

[gerritv]

I'm in the process of building one. Plain pivot bearings. About to make the arbors.

Gerrit

 

[dkemppai]

Neat. Do you have a thread on the build? (Or can we just hijack this one... )
Is this being done with kit castings, or from scratch? I've seen references to the Synchronome and the Shortt-Synchronome being mixed up. You are building a Synchronome copy, correct?

Dan

 

[gerritv]

Yes, a Synchronome copy. There was a patternof the frame made up by a member of Toronto Society of Model Engineers in the late 1950's, I have one of the last castings made from that batch.
All the other parts are being made from a series of articles by Eliot Isaacs in Engineering in Miniature.


Gerrit