I have been a little concerned about the condition of the great wheel on the going train barrel. This wheel had broken at some time in the past and had been soft-soldered together. As I was bushing the central arbor hole it became obvious that the wheel was not flat, nor was it truly circular.

This wheel is subject to great stress as it carries the weight hanging from its barrel. I consulted with my colleagues at EFHC and I also posted a query to the NAWCC discussion forum regarding the best way to repair this wheel. The almost unanimous view was that it would be too risky to try a repair, and for safety’s sake a new wheel  should be cut. I’ve now cut a wheel blank from 1/8 in CZ120 brass and I’ll shortly be marking out the wheel and cutting the teeth. I will make the spokes a little wider for strength, and I will also add a thicker portion where the click will be attached.