Elma Watch Cleaning Machine

[Marc]

Actually that makes sense Geo, I had forgotten about the motor speed control which is daft as my own machine is actually sitting in front of me as I sit here  :startle:

[Paul78]

Thanks Marc, I won't be running it anymore now until it's been cleaned up and ready for work.

[Geo]

are you leaving it as is, or is she getting a makeover?

I'll give it a good check to make sure everything is electrically safe and working OK. Apart from that, it will be a deep clean then put into service.

[bobm12]

Geo congratulations on a superb machine! You guys are going to make me wish one already!

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Paul78]

Well, got most of it disassembled ready for the soak in acetone. One slight problem though, I can't seem to get the bottom casing off the base plate, the centre shaft won't come off. Mickey, can you advise how this comes off? I've removed the bolt from the bottom, I'm assuming it then pulls out? Mine is stuck solid if that's the case, even after half a can of WD40!

[SSTEEL]

I am ever so sorry I have not had any input into your questions Paul, I have been so busy with work its unreal.  Good to see that the likes of Geo and other members have reached out though.

[Paul78]

Hi Micky, I have t had any questions as such, not until now, I can't get the main shaft from the base plate, can you help?

[Geo]

As you know I purchased a vintage Elma cleaning machine recently. Being the curious type and always looking for input as per Jonny 5 (Short Circuit), I sent an Email to Elma asking what year it was made.

To be honest, I didn't really expect to get an answer, as I have contacted companies in the past requesting this sort of information and have had no reply. Well not Elma, within a couple of hours their Technical Support Manager git back to me to say that it was made in 1966.

I thanked him for the fast response, and that it was greatly appreciated. The next thing I receive another email saying "To be honest this is a version I never have seen before. I collected some for our Elma museum...all are different." This got me thinking, has someone modified the machine sometime in the past. I responded by asking him the question.

Back came an immediate reply "I trust this is original design - one of several varities during the years.

Hans Schmidbauer, a Swiss watchmaker was the founder of Elma in 1948. now the Company is still in family hand 3th generation.

Good luck with the machine."

I wish more folk were as helpful!

[Mark]

What a nice fellow.

[bobm12]

That's awesome Geo...and to tell the truth you might even have a unique version of the machine...might even be worth an exchange for a new one if they have a museum! I know the story of a guy here that had an old chevy and was offered money and a new model by the factory...I don't know the details but it definitely is something to think about.

 

In any case, that's a professional quality machine that will give you service for years to come.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Geo]

It might be worth contacting him about a new rheostat for your one Mark.

[Mark]

The strange thing about that is that it is now working. Didn't do anything either, it just decided to kick on?!!

To be honest, I generally keep it on the fastest speed anyway unless I have a particularly heavy item in the basket, then I will slow it down until the vibrations stop.

[SSTEEL]

I couldn't get mine off either Paul, so left it in there during the restoration.

[Paul78]

So how did you remove the base cover? I can't get mine off without removing the screw that sticks out of the slot on the central pole, but I'm concerned that if I remove this I won't be able to get it back in.

[SSTEEL]

You unscrew the four retaining screws, and when the motor arm, and timer housing are removed, the base simply slide off the top.

[Paul78]

I can't lift it over this screw, I don't want to take it out because it's under tension on top of the spring I'm afraid I won't get it back in. And it won't screw any further in..

[SSTEEL]

You need to remove that stopper, it unscrews.  Use a good quality flat large screwdriver.

[WillFly]

It's always good to get such a courteous response, isn't it? I bought a J.W. Benson watch a few months ago - cased by Louis Audemars of London - and a descendant of the firm sent me lots of fascinating information about the doings of the firm in London.

[Paul78]

It's ok, I've discovered if I put my brain into gear it's not at all difficult lol, I realised if I compress the spring I can take that screw out!

Sometimes I lack a little common sense!

[SSTEEL]

Glad you got that hurdle out the way :)

[SSTEEL]

Well, got most of it disassembled ready for the soak in acetone. One slight problem though, I can't seem to get the bottom casing off the base plate, the centre shaft won't come off. Mickey, can you advise how this comes off? I've removed the bolt from the bottom, I'm assuming it then pulls out? Mine is stuck solid if that's the case, even after half a can of WD40!

image.jpg

 

Looking good Paul, regards the motor, its speed, and functionality, its impossible to grasp the speed with the basket out of the chemicals.   Here's a couple of demo videos I just shot for you, the first one out of the chemicals, speed variances, and the second, the same speed changes whilst submerged, the motor feels the velocity of the liquid, and in turn you achieve the correct speeds.

 

Its also worth noting that the central shaft that goes through the motor should be completely cleaned, no surface rust should be present at all.  Using some fine sandpaper whilst the motor is running can clean this up, be careful not to catch yourself anywhere.

 

 

[Paul78]

Thanks for that Micky, I've cleaned the shaft up, I got all the rust off with a grinding wheel, then polished it back up to give it the shine back. It's looking good. The motor seems ok now, speed wise. I guess I'll find out when I out it all back together and give it a test run. I'm just waiting for delivery of the acetone to strip the old paint.

[Geo]

Thanks for the demo's Micky. :)

[bobm12]

You guys rock! I may still get one of those machines just for the fun of restoring it! It looks like a lot of fun and what's best, no loupes involved! :)

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Paul78]

Micky, can I ask how long you left it to soak in the acetone? I've had mine in now for about 2 hours an no paint is coming off...