Kitchen clock maintenance continuation: Cleaning, pivot polishing, bushing replacement, and testing in Pequegnat clock servicing - Part II
In November 2015, a gingerbread-style kitchen clock, part of the Maple Leaf series known as the "Pointed Top," found its way into a collection. The clock, a vintage Arthur Pequegnat time and strike kitchen clock, was purchased at an antique store in Bloomfield, Ontario, with the intention of owning a piece of Canadian-made history.
However, the clock, though in good condition, had challenges that required repair. The main problem was a clutch plate off the centre arbor that was not engaging the gear. Additionally, one pivot had scoring and required straightening before bushing work could commence.
The repair process began with assessing the wear carefully. Pivot hole wear in antique clocks like the Arthur Pequegnat usually develops slowly, so bushings are only needed when wear causes the pivots to fit loosely and affect timekeeping or striking function.
All parts were cleaned in an ultrasonic and dried immediately afterwards. An emery board and a steady-rest were used for pivot polishing and securing difficult pivot ends in the 3-jaw chuck. Carefully filed or reamed out the worn pivot hole to prepare it for a new bushing sleeve.
A new bushing was installed, but with concern about cutting into the steel due to the pressed brass inserts for the bushings not being quite on-center. Regardless, a brass bushing that matched the original pivot diameter and snugly fit the expanded pivot hole was used. The brass bushing was pressed into the pivot hole accurately, flush with the movement plate surface so the pivot spins freely without wobble.
After installation, a small drop of approved clock oil was applied to the new bushing pivot holes to minimize friction and wear. Be careful not to over-oil since excess or old deteriorated oil causes increased wear and malfunction.
Reassembly and testing were completed, with the movement now on the test stand and expected to run for years. The escape wheel, which had the most problematic bushing wear, was not immediately addressed due to the need to straighten out one of the pivots first.
The clock case is in great shape, but the dial was beginning to flake and was repainted where necessary. The clock, though it may not be typically appealing to the owner, will continue to function for many years after the servicing.
The clock has undergone cleaning, pivot polishing, bushing work, assembly, and testing. Mainsprings were cleaned, oiled, and placed back in their spring retainers. The repair process preserves the clock’s serviceability and respects its original rugged design, ensuring it will continue to keep time accurately for many years to come.
This vintage Arthur Pequegnat kitchen clock, now part of a home-and-garden lifestyle collection, underwent servicing to address certain complications. Despite being a piece of Canadian history, the clock needed repair, as the clutch plate was not engaging the gear, and one pivot had scoring and required straightening. After thorough inspection and careful repair, the clock was enhanced with new bushings, oil, and mainsprings, thereby extending its longevity in technology-driven gadget environments. Although the dial required repainting, the clock's case was well-preserved, ensuring it remains an appealing vintage timepiece.
