21
Installing Gears on Arbors
At this point, stain can be applied to all gears, set washers, and clock hands. Do not attempt to sand
the laser browning off the edges of the gear teeth (this could distort the shape of the gear teeth).
In the following instructions, the assembly procedure is given for each arbor. Begin by using the
gear location diagram to mark the locations for the gears, set washers, etc. This is most easily done
by laying the arbor directly on the gear location diagram and using a pencil to mark the gear
locations. To install gears on the arbors, place the gear on a flat, solid surface. Use a hammer to
gently drive the arbor into the gear. Be sure to drive the arbor in perpendicular to the gear. Once the
arbor is fully engaged in the gear, place the gear on two boards or blocks with a gap slightly wider
than the dowel. Continue to drive the arbor through the gear until it arrives at the marked location on
the arbor. Do not glue the gears in place yet; their positions may need to be adjusted after the clock
is assembled.
Important: After gears have been properly positioned on arbors, use fine sandpaper (220 grit
or higher) to smooth the portions of the arbor that will rest in the frame*. This sanding is
most easily done by wrapping a small strip of sandpaper around the arbor and twisting the
arbor. Follow up with 400 grit sandpaper. The arbor should be slick and should spin freely in
the nylon shoulder washers. Apply graphite to these contact areas of the arbors by coloring
that section of the arbor with a pencil.
*the portion of the arbor that needs to be polished and lubricated with graphite is
indicated on the gear location diagrams with gray shading
