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* A grandfather clock should always stand on a level surface. This sounds elementary, but failure to ensure this can affect its functioning adversely.
When setting it against the wall, sometimes you'll find that the carpet is thicker towards the wall because of grip rods. Or perhaps there's a skirting board where the floor meets the wall and so you don't have a level surface.
If the case leans a little in any direction, compensate for it by using pieces of wood, carpeting or other material so that it stands vertically.
You can even screw a long case clock to the wall, provided it stands upright and doesn't lean backwards.
* When fastening the pendulum, remember that most pendulums are not uniform -- they have distinct front and back sides. The front of the pendulum is usually the flat side of the bob. It's the side that's highly polished.
The pendulum should hang free from all sides of the case. If it touches the backboard or makes a scratching noise, it may mean that the case is leaning backwards. You'll need to compensate for it.
* Most grandfather clocks are weight driven rather than spring driven. After you hang the weights in the clock, ensure that they stand free of the pendulum at all times. They should not touch the pendulum or any part of the casing as they fall.
* Once everything is in place and the clock is wound up, start the pendulum swinging. Listen carefully for a steady tick-tock sound. The sound should be regular and evenly spaced.
If the tick-tock is not regular, you have some adjustments to do. The case may be leaning a bit in one direction or another. Use pieces of wood or carpet pieces to make adjustments. Keep testing until you get a steady tick-tock sound.
It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right direction to lean the case in and to figure out the amount by which it should be adjusted.
* When moving the hands of grandfather clocks to set the time, don't move them backwards more than a few minutes. And never move them backwards past the number twelve.
You can safely move the hands forward. When moving the hands past the number twelve, wait until the clock has finished striking the hour before moving on.
* Some grandfather clocks come with moon phase and / or day count discs. When you adjust these discs, wait until they are unmeshed from the clockwork mechanism. Usually, they are meshed with the clockwork between 5 pm and 7 pm or between 11 pm and 1 pm. So avoid adjusting the moon phase and day count at these times.
Your clock may work a bit differently, so experiment to find out when the discs are unmeshed from the rest of the mechanism before making adjustments.
* As your long case clock runs for several days, you may find that it is gaining or losing time. To set this right, you need to alter the length of the pendulum.
To slow down the clock, increase the length of the pendulum. Usually, you'll find a nut at the end of the pendulum bob. When you turn the nut downwards, the bob will move downwards thus increasing the pendulum length. Move the nut upwards to make the clock go faster.
These simple tips should help you set up your grandfather clock correctly. If necessary, get help from the store you purchased the clock from. Enjoy the look of elegance and grandeur a grandfather clock adds to your home!
As a fellow entrepreneur, let me share some of the things that I've learned in my startup journey. Here are three key tips to help you avoid potential problems in the future and set up a home office that works well for you!
1. Keep Good Records.
Before you place the “open for business” sign on your door, develop a good record-keeping system. Whether you use the latest computer software-program, a simple spreadsheet or a notebook for written entries, it's essential to write down important purchases, sales and invoices. Figure out what will work best for you to stay organized and prepare for year-end taxes in advance.
Personally, I have a small notebook next to my computer. And whenever I get a bill or have new business expenses, I write it down. This way, I don't have to stop what I'm doing. But when I do have time to input all the data into my record-keeping software, it's handy and all of the information is right in front of me.
2. Pay Bills When You Get Them.
This should be an ingrained habit because it will help you balance your budget and avoid overdue fees.
Try to keep everything you'll need to pay the bills in one place such as stamps, envelopes and address labels. This will simplify the process. And try not to get distracted. Paying invoices on time is an important part of running a business that you can't let slide. And best of all, if you do it immediately, you won't have to worry, “have I paid that bill yet?”
3. Research Before Purchasing.
If you need to buy equipment and supplies, take the time to conduct the appropriate research first. There are many choices available, and you need to plan for both your current and future needs.
For example, if you want to buy a computer, figure out how you will use it for your business. Check reviews on various consumer reports and ask other people what they use (I use an iMac G5 and a Dell XPS 210).
Also look at the software and hardware you'll require to accomplish tasks. And ask yourself some questions such as:
• Do you want a program for keeping records or paying taxes?
• Will you do a lot of word processing or have unique publishing and printing needs?
• Will a scanner and fax machine help your business?
• What options do you have for Internet connections?
• What speed, cost and features are most important to you?
Your responses will help you choose the right products for your specific needs. If you take the time to conduct research and avoid purchasing last-minute items, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and hassle.
Start and Don't Stop.
These are just three of the key tips I learned along my entrepreneurial way. Many times in life the trick is just to get started. And you've already made that giant, first step to pursuing your business dreams.
Now, don't be afraid to take risks and keep moving forward. As a fellow mother who had a big startup idea, I made my business a reality. Today, I help self-published authors sell their books online cost-effectively. Remember, plenty other people out there have done it and so can you.