Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 2015 > 2015.10.04 > 01Prev  Next


Cleaning & Adjusting a Swiss Musical Box
By Bob Loesch

[ James Patrick wrote in 151002 MMDigest:

> When I got it, I lubricated all of the gears and the governor in
> the gear cluster to the right of the comb.  It will run if I flick
> the governor, but it will not stay running for long.

It sounds to me like the mainspring is dirty and/or corroded, and 
so is not transmitting full power to the mechanism, which is also
dirty, and so should be properly cleaned.  The lubricating oil
hardens with age, and no longer does its job.  WD-40 is _not_ proper
lubrication!

As a retired clock repairman, I must caution you that the
mainspring is very powerful, and can be dangerous if incorrectly
handled!  I would suggest finding a clock repairman who has proper
spring-winding tools to remove the mainspring, clean, properly
lubricate, and reassemble it.  With the mainspring clean, and the
rest of the mechanism cleaned and properly lubricated, I think
you'll find that the box will run perfectly.

Bob Loesch
Northern California, USA


(Message sent Sun 4 Oct 2015, 04:17:34 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Adjusting, Box, Cleaning, Musical, Swiss

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page