Expert: William J Perkins - 4/8/2008

Question
Very interesting article. Not wanting to cut corners but you say one can't clean without disassembly as the dirt is just moved about....what about a good cleaning in an ultrasound tank? Would that not be thorough enough?

Answer
I don't know what article you are referring to.  My position on cleaning clock movements is firm and straight forward.  One of the more important aspects of cleaning a clock's movement is the inspection of all the parts, polishing of pivots and pivot holes etc., thereby reducing friction.  It isn't so much about moving dirt around as it is with reducing friction, the prime enemy.  This cannot be done without disassembly.  While ultra sonic cleaning is certainly a boon to the clock mechanic, it does not eliminate the need to take the movement apart and inspecting each and every part.  There are a few parts one should not take apart to clean.  Primary to this omission is floating balances.  These require special handling.
In my own shop I have used sonic cleaning machines beginning with there inception.  In later years I augmented with ionic cleaning waves as well.  Even this augmentation does not eliminate the need to take apart.  Not only that, but its easier.  I find it much harder to clean gears with them between the plates than out of the movement and in hand.  Often times, when the job is done properly, the clock is restored to at least as good a condition as when it was new and not infrequently better.  And, overall it takes less time.  Regards WJP