looking for mechanical timer parts (Sams Brothers)

[scott]

I have a Sam's Brothers Table (1950's ?) , it is generally in good shape, but the mechanical timer is lacking parts. The timer runs cleanly and smoothly but seems to run way too fast; it's done in 4 minutes.  After examining it, I noticed that a part appears to be missing. I think I have confirmed this by viewing an on-line you tube video of a timer in action that shows the missing part.  This part is a very small threaded rod with two knurled nuts on it and is attached to what I believe some people call "the ticker" ;  it would swing , rapidly, back and forth and the two nuts could (I think) be threaded inward toward the center, or outward, and thereby controlling  the speed of the escapement and the duration of the timer action. 

I would appreciate very much if anyone had information on  1.)  what this part is called.  2.)  if it is, as I suspect, used to control the speed of the escapement , and  3.) most important of all,  where I can get this part either used, new, or made.  

I am also looking for the coin box that would slide in under the timer and also the cap piece or part that would sit on top of the timer and direct coins down from the coin slot.

I would also consider buying an intact, working vintage timer or a "parts"  timer if one of these is available. 

Thanks in advance for any insights .  Scott

[Dave J]

Hi Scott,
Yes, the ticking part is called the escapement, with the pallet and escapement wheel.
Are you missing the whole escapement, the pallet, or just the threaded rod which is attached to the pallet?
The threaded rod does control the time like a pendulum, although not the only factor involved. But if it is missing it will run quickly.
Can you upload a photo showing what you have?

[daveuk1]

I'm not a lot of help here 😁
I've worked on plenty of clocks but have never had one with the threaded rod missing and I don't even have a spare clock near me to check, but I would take a wild guess that it is probably 8BA.
You are right that by winding the knurled nuts you can adjust the speed the clock runs. If you have the threaded bar and no nuts a piece of blue tack works well.

[Chris_Sav]

There are two types of clock mech, hence why a photo is necessary

If the complete pendulum arm is missing and you cannot get the correct thread then get something of a similar diameter and solder it in the hole after a bit of filing to suit.

Nuts can then be added.

If you have the pendulum but not the nuts then blue-tac for a weight

[scott]

Thanks so much for the responses !

I am just missing the threaded rod and it's two knurled nuts, I believe that everything else is there. I tried to upload some photos (not videos) of the timer using the attachment tab, but was unable to do that ; the site said "too much information". I will keep trying with that because photos really are very helpful.

In the mean time, it is great to have confirmation of my suspicions as to the function of the "ticker" and the (missing) threaded rod. I suspect that in the end, I may wind up going to a local antique clock restoration guy and seeing if he could make the part.

Scott

[Dave J]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the photos. It means I can put the correct photo up showing what you're missing, and it looks like it's just the threaded rod and nuts.



If you have no luck locally then please feel free to contact me.

[scott]

Thank you so much ! I think this photograph is exactly what I need. Until now all I could ever see , after much on line sleuthing, were just the blurry edges of this part. And you guys have confirmed for me what I could only suspect it looked like, and what I could only cautiously surmise that it did. Wonderful !

I am going to see if we can't try to make this part, it looks do-able.   

One question: do you know how long that rod is ?  and does it (ok, that's two) extend out beyond the side of the timer when it swings side to side. I do not as yet have the top piece or coin tray for this timer (that is the next step) but should I ever get and install them, I don't want this swinging rod to be hitting them. 

Scott

[Chris_Sav]

Make it a bit too long to start with as you can easily shorten it.

Looks like you have some drilling to do first to get the old stub out from what you have said.

That may well nadjer the thread, so you may be down to soldering the swinging arm in anyway, this is not a problem.

When you resite the clock make sure the pressure from the adjusting screw on the frame means the main cog is snug against the travelling rack, too loose and teeth can wear quickly and jump, too tight and you'll nadjer the bush.

Do not disassemble with the clock under tension.

[scott]

Excellent points, especially about the spring tension and disassembly, that could easily have been overlooked with disastrous consequences. I don't plan on doing this myself, but will instead take it to an antique clock repair guy who , while it is a little out of his area of expertise, I think (hope) will be capable of making and installing the part. I will share with him that invaluable photograph and all of your insights.
Thanks,
Scott

[Dave J]

[scott]

THANK YOU !