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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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25th Mar 2021, 8:48 pm | #1 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Isle of Man
Posts: 86
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Smiths Sectric clock
I have never owned a vintage electric clock so this is completely new to me. I bought it as non working, but for the past few hours it has run without problem. So far I have only changed the 13A fuse for 1A. I'll probably fit a 3 core cable and earth the 'chassis'?, if I can find suitable cable.
The mechanism is pretty grubby so at some time in the future I'd like to learn how to clean and lubricate it correctly, that may quieten it a bit too as it is pretty noisy. My jump in at the deep end approach would be to slosh it about in some IPA and then use a thin oil on the gears but if there is a good youtube video on how to do it properly I'd appreciate a pointer. For the time being can anybody tell me anything about it, date, mechanism type etc? Actually I am getting to like the noise, it is quite relaxing. |
26th Mar 2021, 12:33 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 4,609
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Hi Dave,
Your clock looks like a Smiths Autobell, made from 1951 - 53. The movement was used on a few different models and they work well. Whatever you do, don't put oil on the wheels (apart from what I'll mention below). They should be completely dry. The pivots can have a tiny drop of very thick oil but it doesn't matter too much. I'd suggest taking the motor out only (4 screws), washing the rest of the movement with IPA then replace the motor witha small amount if thick oil on the exposed pinion. You do need a 3-core mains lead with the earth attached to a nut on the movement. Let us know how you get in.
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Mike. |
26th Mar 2021, 1:15 pm | #3 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Isle of Man
Posts: 86
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Thanks for the identification info Mike and the cleaning instructions.
I'm not ready to clean it yet but I will follow exactly as you say when I do. To move the motor it looks like I would have to remove the plastic alarm adjusting knob, how does this come off, it seems too tight to pull or twist against the adjusting direction? |
26th Mar 2021, 1:25 pm | #4 | |
Diode
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK.
Posts: 3
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Lovely clock I have a few Smith's electric clocks.
Quote:
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26th Mar 2021, 3:29 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,866
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Nice!
In your position, for a quick service, I would polish the case with Greygate PP no. 6, fit a 3-core lead, and oil the rotor bearing. Nick. |
26th Mar 2021, 3:51 pm | #6 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 4,609
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Quote:
Then, as Nick says, just lubricate.
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Mike. |
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26th Mar 2021, 4:52 pm | #7 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Isle of Man
Posts: 86
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Re: Smiths Sectric clock
Thanks all. I'll order the Greygate and cable and follow your instructions on lubrication
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