Cuckoo Clock Instructions - Basic

 

How to wind your clock:  Pull the chains to raise the pine comb weights.  The weight on the left runs the hands and the weight on the right powers the ½ hour cuckoo announcement.  The image on the right, the time train is being wound by pulling down on the chain.  On a full wind, this clock will run for 1 day.

How to put the bonnet on the clock case: Start by locating the two clips on the roof of the clock case.  The one on the right is angled.  The one on the left is pointing straight up.  Start on the right side and set the bonnet in the clip.  Then the left clip will fall right into the left clip.

Locate Clips

Right Clip

Left Clip

How to set the time:  Move only the minute hand (longer hand) clockwise until the proper time is displayed.  It is important to stop at each ½ to let the clock run through it’s cuckoos.  Do not turn the hands counterclockwise.

How to speed up the clock or slow it down:  This is a multi-step process to be performed for 3-8 days.  If the clock is running too fast, slow it down by lowering the “Leaf” on the pendulum stick. Too fast, raising the “Leaf”.

Changing the speed of time keeping is accomplished by moving the pendulum “Leaf” up or down. The effect of moving the “Leaf” is to lengthen or shorten the pendulum.  To slow the clock down, move the pendulum “Leaf” down by putting downward pressure of the “Leaf” while securing the pendulum stick. To speed the clock up, move the pendulum “Leaf” up by pressing up on the “Leaf” while holding the pendulum stick.

Process -

Day One

1. Select a time of day that will allow you to check your clock at

the same time for at least 5 days.

2. Record time selected __________________________________.

3. Check correct time.

4. Re-set the minute hand to the exact, correct time.

Day Two, Three, Four, Five, Six (If Necessary)

1. Check correct time.

2. Compare time shown on your clock with correct time. Is your clock fast or slow?

3. Adjust pendulum by pressing on the “leaf” 1/8 inch up or down depending on if the clock is running fast or slow during that time period.  Accurate time adjustment varies for every pendulum.

4. Check correct time.

5. Very Important: Re-set the minute hand to exact, correct time after each adjustment.

 

Setting the clock “In Beat”:  “In Beat” means the clock is ticking evenly.  This time interval between the tick and the tock is even.  Part of the repair is the adjust the “Beat” so that when the clock is hanging on the wall the clock is “In Beat”.  To achieve this, set a small level on the clock while it is hanging on the wall.  If the bubble is showing level the clock is “In Beat”.  Listening to the ticking sounds, they should be evenly spaced.  It is easier to hear this when the clock pendulum is swinging as slow as possible while it is still ticking.