UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post

paulsherwin · 15th May 2019, 10:17 am

If it was working when it was put away then there's a very good chance that it'll work now. Just check the cable and plugs are in good condition and apply power.

I would advise against using it like that though, as the motor and wheel bearings will have lost their lubrication. Ideally you should strip it down completely but that is a big job, especially for a beginner working alone. You can apply a drop of household oil or sewing machine oil to each bearing without dismantling which is much better than nothing. Don't be tempted to spray WD40 everywhere as it is a poor long term lubricant and it makes an oily mess.

These 1950s Smiths electric clocks are very tough and will survive the sort of inept maintenance that would destroy a mechanical clock, so don't be too afraid of breaking something.

15th May 2019, 10:17 am	#6
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,960	Re: Smiths Electric Clock If it was working when it was put away then there's a very good chance that it'll work now. Just check the cable and plugs are in good condition and apply power. I would advise against using it like that though, as the motor and wheel bearings will have lost their lubrication. Ideally you should strip it down completely but that is a big job, especially for a beginner working alone. You can apply a drop of household oil or sewing machine oil to each bearing without dismantling which is much better than nothing. Don't be tempted to spray WD40 everywhere as it is a poor long term lubricant and it makes an oily mess. These 1950s Smiths electric clocks are very tough and will survive the sort of inept maintenance that would destroy a mechanical clock, so don't be too afraid of breaking something.