Best way to clean a wooden works clock?

[Joseph Taylor]

Hey guys, I just got a beautifully well cared for Chauncey Ives P&S that's pretty dusty inside. What are suggestions for cleaning it and should oil be used in the pivot wells?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Andy Dervan]

Disassemble the movement, clean off all the dust. Peg out pivots for remove any grit and dust.

Do not oil pivots

Reassemble the movement.

Maybe others will provide more information.

Andy Dervan

 

[Sooth]

I agree with Andy. If the movement is particularly dirty, a damp cloth or water and an old toothbrush may be used, but dry the parts off immediately. Generally they tend to just be dusty.

Alternatively, it may depend what kind of shape your movement is in. Have brass bushings been added at a later date, and are they all green and corroded? Is the movement coated all over with graphite powder or wax? These may require harsher cleaning methods to return them into a more presentable/optimal state.

 

[sdowney717]

How about using an air compressor to blow the dust off.

 

[steamer471]

If you use an air compressor you may blow parts loose and keep away from the label!