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Clocks, Watches/Oiling Diagram for Sligh Clock
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Question
Dear John,
I have a Sligh "Philadelphia" Grandfather clock I purchased in 1992. It's been stored for the last 10 years, and I recently restarted it.
The clock runs fine and keeps correct time, and also chimes the hour correctly.
The problem appears to be the church chiming mechanism because if I turn on any of the three church chimes, periodically the mechanism does not complete the chiming process and the hammers stick in a partial chime position. Subsequently, this in turn causes the hour strike not to occur correctly.
I believe the church chime mechanism is in need of lubrication to operate properly.
Therefore, I'd like to lubricate the clock and chime mechanisms, but would like to know the correct oiling points.
Sligh sold to Bulova, and they're not very responsive on these older clocks.
Is there a source where I can obtain a diagram to properly lubricate my clock? Also the type of oil you's recommend.
The Movement is a 500-8106 with a 538-8641 Dial. Pendulum is a 560-2764 and Weights 580-8289. The clock model number is 0960-1-CM.
John, thanks for any help you can offer on this.
Best regard,
Stephen
Las Vegas
Stephen, usually I need the movement model number off the back of the movement itself, because there is very little cross-reference information from the clock manufacturers numbers to the actual movement numbers on these clocks. However, the lubricating information I have applies to most modern clock movements. If you will contact me at my shop email address below, I will send you some representative labeled photos and instructions.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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