OpenTube

#037 Re-pivotting an arbor from a 19th Century longcase/tallcase clock.

How to repair pendulum clocks

4,448 views

In this video we re-pivot a 19th Century longcase/tallcase clock arbor using a watchmakers and Myford lathe. The technique investigates one particular approach to a repair that, as an intermediate level repair, has a number of valid approaches and a number of valid outcomes.

Here are some of the tolls we use in the video...

JKA Feintaster - bench micrometer - https://www.kaefer-messuhren.de/index...

Vertex ER 25 collet set and holder - https://www.vertex.co.com

Carbide engraving bits (example) - https://www.google.com/search?client=...

Blued pivot steel (example) - https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/piv...

Silver steel (example) - https://maccmodels.co.uk/shop/materia...

Eze-Lap diamond hone and stone - https://www.ezelap.co.uk/product-cate...

Centre drill (Example) - https://www.ewequipment.co.uk/product...

Watchmaker's brass split stake (Example) -https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/51177...

Degussit stones - https://www.hoffmann-group.com/GB/en/...

Spyderco stone - 400F1SP - https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/p...

Pivot file - https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/piv...

‪@openclockclubarchive325‬
‪@readrepairs‬

www.howtorepairpendulumclocks.co.uk

www.clockmaker-conservator.co.uk

20 Comments

@brianwarburton4482 9 months ago

Thanks Matthew
You really are the best at everything clock related and your tuition is much appreciated.

@NoyAtkinson 9 months ago

Excellent tuition. Simple,understandable and practical despite the apparent freehand vagaries the job appeared to be perfect

@jeremydoddjd1707 8 months ago

Thanks Matthew, just trying to catch up with your vids...very productive and good to see/hear your good sense. I always learn something.

@DuncanThompson-v7x 9 months ago

Brilliant Matthew. As always most helpful and very much appreciated.

@andrewdeacon4384 9 months ago

Thank you Matthew - so well presented. All the best for 2026.

@frodriguezpc 9 months ago

Thanks a lot for this video, and all the best for 2026!

@jacqueso8424 9 months ago

As usual you make it look so simple, yet youve been doing this for many years as your career, thanks for the great video. Looking forward to many more. Have a nice new yr, all the best

@windsoruk 9 months ago

Took me a moment, but Mrs Slocombe was very apt. Happy New Year!

@hanslindgren7175 2 months ago

Thanks for the video.👍

@timm3931 9 months ago

Thankyou for another informative video. Especially highlighting the need to have multiple approaches depending on the particular scenario presented with.
I'm close to completing my clockmaker exams and always appreciate understanding other clockmakers thinking and approaches.

@nitram_nosnibor 5 months ago

That was incredible to watch, I will definitely take you advice about practice practice practice 👍🏻

@torsiondell 9 months ago

Nice to see you again & nice work & a happy new year to you & Rachel

@relaydog7 9 months ago

Thank you for a very practical approach to repivoting. I did have the impression that the burnisher is the last tool to be used when finishing the pivot. Since burnishing is basically deforming the metal more than polishing.

@kenhelix4494 9 months ago

Many thanks Matthew for this refresher. As always a master class of clarity. I've just repivoted too by holding the wheel in a boxwood chuck to ensure the pivot is at the centre of the wheel. Overkill perhaps but that worked well too. Ken

@ianharris3933 9 months ago

Thanks Matthew really clear helpful information

@lohikarhu734 9 months ago

Nice. Thank you.

@trahtrebor 9 months ago

Thank you!

@franklinhoogreef 9 months ago

Thanks again for sharing Matthew!

@johnfox4691 9 months ago

Thank you very much for the clear explanation and good filming. I dread using tungsten carbide drills - waiting for the break. ( although they are very useful ). I like the idea of making an oversized pivot in order to get concentricity.