E. Howard Lubrication

[sjaffe]

OK, last question (for now), E. Howard roundtop lubrication. I want to keep the clock lubricated. Some of the bushings have oil holes in the top, so a drop of oil periodically applied there should take care of them. However, there are bushings in the front that have no oil hole. If this were a small clock, I would just turn it sideways and apply a drop of oil to the pivot. But it's not, so I can't. I can put a drop where the bushing and pivot meet, but I can't see how that would wick in to properly lubricate. I could remove each bushing, but that seems like too much work and I can't imagine that being the way to do it every several months. What's the secret how to do this?
Thanks,
Stan

 

[gvasale]

Most of the time I have an old tooth brush with which I cover the bristles with a piece of rag and wipe the outside of each pivot, and then do the inside of the plate as well. Then with any device you choose, add a drop of oil to the outside of the oil sink at the top and do the same where the arbor rubs inside the plates. I haven't seen a problem with "grundge" accumulation in these places as long as the oil hasen't turned to varnish. Th great wheels, the hammer lever and a couple of other bushings have holes on the top of them to fill with oil. FWIW, I do my tower clocks every 90 days. Grease on the pads of the great wheel (strike only has them) and the cam which sets of the striking located on the hour shaft.

 

[Donn Haven Lathrop]

"I can put a drop where the bushing and pivot meet, but I can't see how that would wick in to properly lubricate."

Simple. Capillary action. I use a hypodermic syringe filled with oil and a flashlight. Put the needle at the junction of the pivot and the bushing. Add oil. You can see the meniscus of oil with the flashlight. Personally, I don't like lubrication holes. They are dirt and grunge collectors.

Donn Haven Lathrop

 

[gvasale]

Here are two axles from a smaller clock. .030 shelf worn into one also severe taper. Oil channel gummed up & plugged preventing oil from reaching surface to lubricate.

 

[sjaffe]

Convincing evidence to the importance of proper and timely lubrication!

 

[gvasale]

Also an orientation issue. Oil hole on one where pulley frame was installed upside down. No effective way to fill reservoir.