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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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14th Feb 2011, 2:52 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sutton Coldfield
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Smiths Sectric Clock issue
I have aquired a 1930's Smiths Sectric Mantle Clock, which only works when lying on it's front - not terribly useful.
Any ideas? |
14th Feb 2011, 6:09 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 4,609
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
It's probably not been cleaned or lubricated for a long while.
As we don't know your expertise on such things yet, for a start, we'll assume the motor is not running whan it's standing up; can you hear a very faint buzz when it's stopped? A picture of the back would be useful to know which model it is, as well.
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Mike. |
14th Feb 2011, 8:43 pm | #3 |
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
Mike,
Thanks for your quick response - from looking at recent posts, looks like I am talking to the right man. I think the model is the Bijou I attach a couple of photos - Front (no use to you but nice for me, a lovely late art deco piece) and the back - very usefull to you. All I have done so far is take the housing apart to give a quick cosmetic clean. I have not taken the clock unit apart yet, I have a reasonable level of mechanical and electrical nous - but am no expert, thus this post. |
14th Feb 2011, 8:44 pm | #4 |
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
Mike,
Forgot to mention I can hear a very faint buzz when stopped Peter |
15th Feb 2011, 11:15 am | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
Hi Peter
It is indeed a Bijou. As it buzzes when stopped, that proves that the fault is mechanical, rather than a dodgy connection. My guess is that the movement needs stripping down, cleaning and lubricating. The correct oils must be used and what not to lubricate is important. If you want to have a go, then we can help. It's a good idea to see why it is stopping when the movement is still assembled but out of the case.
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Mike. |
15th Feb 2011, 11:38 am | #6 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sutton Coldfield
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
Mike,
Thanks for that. OK, I will give it a go. I will see what is stopping it and get back to you. Peter |
16th Feb 2011, 9:07 am | #7 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 5
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Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue
Mike,
When I took the cover off, all seemed very clean and dust free. The push down/turn knob that moves the hands was very stiff, both left and right and particularly up and down. Once I had freed that by moving it a number of times, it did its job, engaged/disengaged and the clock started running. It has been running now for 12 hours and is keeping perfect time. Many thanks for your help - although I do feel a bit like the electric clock version of the person that enquired what had happened to the coffee cup holder on their computer! Peter |