The escapement is the heart of a clock and a good escapement is esential for consistent timekeeping and reliability. Escapements take many forms, from the crownwheel-and-verge used since medieval times to the highly sophisticated escapements used in precision regulator clocks and chronometers.
This book deals in detail with the five escapements that are most commonly used in domestic clocks: crownwheel-and-verge, recoil anchor, Graham deadbeat, Brocot and platform escapements. Other types of escapement are also considered, such as small-span anchor pallets, the escapement used in 400-day clocks, pin-pallet and pin-wheel escapements, as well as more sophisticated designs such as gravity escapements and Harrison's grasshopper escapement.
Not only is the action and geometry of each escapement considered, but for the clockmaker there is practical information on hoe to design and make both pallets and escapewheels. For the repairer and restorer there is practical advice on how to assess faults and repair the escapement to bring the clock back to working condition.
The pendulum and its method of suspension are vital parts of a clock that are closely associated with the escapement, and these are also discussed in detail, with advice on their construction.
With over 400 line drawings the reader is taken step-by-step through the various operations when making or repairing escapements, with recommendations on the materials and tools to be used. Thoughout this book the emphasis is on practical information and advice, simply and clearly explained &emdash; both the beginner and more experienced clockmaker will learn much from this book.
Laurie Penman is a clockmaker, restorer, tutor and author, who was trained as an engineer and now runs horological training courses in Ohio, USA, for the American Watchmaker-Clockmaker Institute. His coprrespondence course is now running from the AWCI, and he writes a regular column on practical clockmaking in Clocks magazine and Horological Times, The journal of the AWCI.
'I found the repair segments particularly useful as common and obscure faults were identified as well as various repair methods described'
NAWCC Bulletin (to appear in June 1999 issue)
'An extremely useful addition to the library of those interested in the practical performance, maintenance and actual making of clocks'
Antiqarian Horology
'For the vast number of illustrations alone É this book should be in any horologist's library'
Horological Journal
ISBN 0 9523270 4 X
240 x 170mm, 248 pages, 400 diagrams, hardback, full-colour dust jacket, £24.99