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OVWCCC September 2025 - Fun with Mainsprings

When
28 Sep 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Top Generation Club, 4373 Generation Court, Ottawa (Ramsayville) ON, K0A 2Y0

Registration

RSVP

Registration is closed

Plenary Presentation

Fun Exploring the World of Mainsprings

Blair Chandler - OVWCCC Member

Introduction to Mainsprings

Blair Chandler is a well-known member of the OVWCCC. Residing in Montreal, Blair attends all chapter meetings despite the distance involved. Over the years, Blair has delivered numerous presentations and is highly regarded as a seasoned and experienced presenter.

What Are Mainsprings? Mainsprings are devices that store energy. Their unique ability to hold and release energy makes them essential components in various mechanisms, but also means they must be treated with care.

Safety Considerations: It is essential to recognize that mainsprings can be dangerous if not handled properly. Understanding the risks involved is a crucial first step in working safely with these powerful components.

Assessing the Health of Mainsprings: Come and learn how to evaluate the condition of mainsprings. Blair will demonstrate the proper techniques for assessing their health to ensure they function reliably and safely.

Proper Handling Techniques: Handling mainsprings requires knowledge and attention to detail. Blair will demonstrate best practices for managing mainsprings, emphasizing methods for proper and safe handling to prevent accidents.

1.       The application of mainsprings to clocks and Weight Driven versus Spring Driven
2.       Types of Clock Mainsprings
3.       How a Spiral Mainspring Works
4.       Materials Used for Mainsprings
5.       Parts of clock Mainspring Barrel Assembly
6.       How to measure a mainspring
7.       How to determine the size of a suitable mainspring for a clock
8.       Which Dimensions Determine the Strength of a mainspring
9.       How to determine if a Mainspring is ‘’Set’’ or ‘’Tired’’, has lost its’ elasticity and needs replacing
10.    How to clean and lubricate a mainspring
11.    The ‘’Ollie Baker’’ Mainspring Winder
12.    How to Disassemble a Mainspring in a Barrel
13.    How to Disassemble a loop end Mainspring in an American clock
14.    How to remove a Mainspring from a Barrel by Hand or with a Mainspring Winder
15.    How to Reassemble a Mainspring in a Barrel
16.    How to Reassemble a loop end Mainspring in an American clock

Blair has a background in Mechanical Engineering and worked as an Industrial Engineer for most of his career. He has been a member of the NAWCC club in Montreal for over 12 years. He joined our club in Ottawa over 3 years ago. He has been repairing watches (pocket and wrist) as well as clocks for over 14 years. Blair enjoys collecting watches and clocks as well as horological tools and books.

Buy, Sell & Swap Mart

There will be the usual mart where members are invited to offer items for sale. Please bring your unwanted items to sell or barter. Tables are free to members

Meeting Location

The Top Generation Club in Ramsayville. Click here for the location and directions.

OVWCCC is a non-profit social club

Thanks to Shutterstock, Vecteezy, FREEP!K, rupixen, Pixaboy for graphics