Next Chapter 21 Meeting August 31, 2020 via Zoom!

Hello Chapter 21 members,

Get ready, here we come again with our next Chapter 21 meeting! As has been the case for the last few, we will be broadcasting our meeting via Zoom. Our Featured Program will be a Ken’s Clock Clinic first: We will show you how to restore two motors (really, like new!) that you probably run across quite frequently: First, the infamous Hammond rotor used in many collectable Hammond clocks such as the “Skyscraper” calendar and the Postal Telegraph wall clock. Second, the likewise rather infamous General Time motor that is used in many, many Seth Thomas electric clocks. The methodology works equally well on the Sessions motor used in countless Sessions electric wall and mantle clocks, chime and strike clocks, even Mastercrafters models. This is the very first time I have ever demonstrated how to do these restorations to anyone. Even if you don’t work on electric clocks, you will very likely find this Program rather intriguing!

Please join us with the link below:

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August 31 NAWCC Chapter 21 Zoom Meeting

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Here is our agenda:

Approval of July Meeting Minutes (All)
COVID-19 Update (Ken R)
Regional Update (Terry, Dave F)
National Officer News (Tim)
Librarian Report (Paul Wegener)
Show and Tell
Program: “Tale of Two Motors” by Ken Reindel
Adjourn

As always, other Chapters are welcome to participate. Come one come all!

Meanwhile, for those of you who attended our July 27 meeting, here are the minutes from that one:

Chapter 21’s July meeting was called to order by President Ken Reindel at 7:08 PM via Zoom, the second meeting held in this fashion. Sixteen members were present.

The minutes of June 8, 2020 were approved as distributed.

Ken Gfeller, Chapter member, and Emily Griffith Technical College Instructor reported on the status of the Clock Repair Class. The class has been offered by Emily Griffith for many years but is caught in the COVID-19 closure. At the same time, with competition for class-room space, scheduling difficulties, and enrollment numbers within the school, the Clock Repair offering is somewhat tenuous. No decision by the administration at the school has been reached at this time. Ken will keep us posted.

Tim Orr reported on National Office news. Watch for an email ballot that will be sent to you on August 18, 2020. You are being asked to vote on by-law language. This is an im-portant housekeeping function that has been in the works for several years. There is nothing monumental proposed. There will be another ballot for elections in early 2021. Tim also reported the status of the executive directors. The board is looking forward to the new hire but COVID-19 has put action on hold.

Returning to the election in early 2021, it was noted that Tim’s term will end. Carlo Borsi, speaking for all of Chapter 21, expressed our appreciation for Tim’s role on the National board and the benefits we received having his close communication to headquarters. While Tim’s board role will conclude next year he has been assigned to serve on a select committee.

Tim Orr also shared a camera he found spelunking Denver’s antique and secondhand store shops. His adaptation for micro photography was intriguing.

The picture below demonstrates how the Zoom meeting facilitates presentations to the Chapter. In future sessions we hope to use high-resolution cameras to demonstrate aspects of clockmaking and watchmaking for all members to see, participate in, and ask questions about.

Paul Wegener, Librarian, reported that the Chapter’s lending library was open during the pandemic. If you would like to check out a book simple contact him and he will send materials to you. He also asked for those holding books to return them by the date due. Tonight’s offering, Paul critiqued “American Clocks and Clock Makers” by Carl W. Drepperd.

Mike Korn, corporate memory guru, offered a teaser to an upcoming session to be announced at later time related to questions you always wanted to ask: What clock has the least parts? A sundial. What clock has the most parts? An hourglass.

The program for the evening was “Interesting and Helpful Horological Websites”. Ken Reindel opened the session with a look at “The Watch Repairer’s Manual” by Henry B. Fried. Ken also shared several interesting websites related to watch and clock repair. The Clickspring YouTube channel was cited as a great source of clockmaking and tool making ideas. It is worth a look. Ken also shared some sources for watch repair materials and supplies. Esslinger and Otto Frei were offered as great sources for tools and parts. Consider ofrei.com for hard to find jewels and balance staffs.

Ken also shared a project he had just finished for a Barograph platform escapement movement involving fabrication of a new pallet arbor. He shared the frustration of turning .004” pivots on a .020” arbor. But, the outcome was good and he was able to show a video of the escapement operating. Sometimes clock making blends into watchmaking (it sneaks up on you). It is good to develop some crossover skills in that arena. Don’t be afraid to try.

Tim Schultz gave a shout out to thewatchestv.com and nakedwatchmaker.com. Like Ken, he also mentioned the Clickspring YouTube channel as a great inspiration. These are great sites for aspiring watch collectors and watchmakers, meant to inspire interest in the art and demonstrate great examples of craftsmanship.

Dick Shelton informed the group about a thumb drive he purchased from Butterworth Clocks. Butterworth has produced a flash drive of material in PDF format that is unique in what it offers. The drive contains over 500 pages of clock repair and movement information. The Butterworth publication “Modern German Clock Movement” is included along with the complete Hermle Service Manual plus beat rate charts, bushing size charts for KWM and Bergeon, Chelsea prints for Navy deck and ship strike movements (exploded views are remarkable), operating instructions for Quad and KSU movements, Jauch, Kieninger, Urgos and weight requirement information. The list goes on.

If anyone is interested they should contact Butterworth Clocks, 5300 595h Ave. W Mauscatine, IA, 52761, 563.263.0428, or their website www.butterworthclocks.com.

Dick Shelton also offered the website www.abouttime-clockmaking.com. There you will find excellent pdf downloads including instructions on pivot polishing, various escapements, wire levers for American clocks, servicing platform escapements, and much more.

Terry Jones led a discussion about the Regional. An idea was hatched with numerous folks chiming in with interest in perhaps having an outdoor regional. We will give this further consideration and perhaps discuss it in our next meeting. We might as well start thinking about alternative venues now, while there is time to plan.

Chapter 21 July Meeting Minutes Pic

Our very lively and engaging meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, David Gies

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