Brenray Cleaning Machine Restoration

[Bigjay]

Hi, I thought i’d share a bit of a journey I’ve been on in restoring my Brenray Watch Cleaning Machine. I have been inspired and helped along the way by some kind forum members. So I bought the machine on the Bay of E and whilst it was working, I wasn’t totally happy with the condition and worried about the wiring. I sought advice and decided to pluck up the courage to take on the project….. 
Here is my progress so far….

 

I have completely disassembled the machine, removed and rewired the loom assembly, cleaned the switches, lamp, chromeware, rheostat, replaced the heater, disassembled and rewired the motor, and stripped the powder coated paint (what a drama that was!).

Then it was ready for new paint…… decisions, decisions?? I toyed with many options Cream? Silver? Or Elma Blue? I really liked the hammered silver option but in the end when with original white in hammered finish as this colour came in brush on and spray options.  Repainting ended up being a real pain, the coats took ages to cure and did not take well to the new bare metal (despite being a direct to metal paint!) so it was back in the acetone bath to be stripped, primed this time and fresh coats of paint! 

Edited February 5 by Bigjay
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[RichardHarris123]

Kudos to you. 

[Bigjay]

After a few weeks of frustrations, mistakes and blowing my house RCD due to a dodgy vintage bulb holder, I reassembled all the parts and have successfully restored my first watch cleaning machine!! It has been a real journey of discovery. I’ve learned so much along the way having to teach myself new skills and understand the workings of vintage motors, electrical wiring circuits and how to strip old powder coat and repaint (as best as I could) from scratch. I am immensely proud of what I’ve achieved and now have a fully functioning watch cleaning machine!  I was not confident that I could take on this project but with help and guidance from some great fellow enthusiasts, I did it!!  Now onto those pesky Elma Super Elites I have waiting for some love and attention!! 

[tomh207]

Good job, it looks good 

 

Tom

[Bigjay]

Thank you!