Clock Cleaning Solution

Oleic acid is the hardest to find of the three chemicals ordinarily used in the ammoniated aqueous solution used for clock cleaning and brass brightening. 26% aqueous ammonia is still available at most chemical supply houses. (13% household ammonia, available in supermarkets, cannot be effectively used as a substitute for the "real thing," even if double the prescribed amount is used.) Acetone is available cheaper from paint stores or outlets such as K-mart at a lower price than from chemical supply houses. Oleic acid, also known as 'olive Elaine oil' (sp?), is, I have heard, used in many soap products, and is used in the manufacture of margarine. Despite these widespread uses it is rarely stocked by local chemical suppliers since demand for small amounts is too low to justify inventorying it.

No Oleic acid? Use, TA DAAAH, Murphy's Oil soap, available in supermarkets, and used to clean churches of all denominations, as well as cherished furniture. While Murphy makes cleanliness a virtue, and cleans up in the process, our clocks can be saved from perdition by the same proportions of Murphy's soap as the amount of oleic acid called for in the clock cleaning solution clung to by so many who share Murphy's proclivity for cleanliness. It's a little known aspect of Murphy's Law.

Do not succumb to the temptation to use laundry or dish detergent as a substitute for oleic acid in the usual clock cleaning solution. For reasons I do not understand, detergent in place of "soap" will pit, darken the brass in a variegated form, and will generally ruin the finish on brass clock parts.

The traditional mixture of the now not-always-acclaimed ammoniated cleaning solution is as follows:
Added to one gallon of cold water:
4 oz. oleic acid (Use Murphy's Oil Soap)
8 oz. Acetone
12 oz. 26% Ammonium Hydroxide

Things to know when mixing these chemicals: put the oleic acid or its surrogate into a quart bottle. Add the acetone. Take this solution outside and pour in the requisite amount of ammonia. Be careful not to sniff the ammonia, and stay upwind of the ammonia as you pour it. Even the fumes are so strong that they can "sting" the skin. It is wise to wear rubber gloves while pouring the ammonia. When the ammonia "hits" the mixture of oleic acid and acetone, a large lump of soapy curds will form in the quart jar. Add a little water if you wish, then cap the jar loosely, set it aside and let the entire mixture go into solution. This usually takes about two hours, and the mixture is best left outside while this transition takes place. After, the compound will have a clear "honey" look, and it is ready to mix with the recommended gallon of water.

Actually, if the solution is to be used in an ultrasonic cleaning machine, it is best to dilute it with an additional quart of water. This lessens the possibility of frosting the surface of some kinds of antique cast brass, and the aggressive action of the ultrasonic machine will more than make up for the weaker character of the solution. For ordinary soaking, the ratio of one gallon of water to the prescribed solution is appropriate.

With any cleaning solution that has the strength and cleaning power of this or any other effective solution, thorough rinsing is important. Aqueous or "water-based" solutions as well as non-aqueous solutions need to be thoroughly rinsed away with appropriate solvents to prevent a residue from forming on the metal which will continue the "cleaning," or possibly corrosive effects that will occur under the right atmospheric conditions. The specific rinse for the solution described above is COLD water. No aqueous solution should be heated, and the rinse must be cold so that there is a minimum of evaporation of the solution as parts are removed from the cleaning solution, and the rinse. Heated parts will tarnish from evaporation and drying of either the cleaning solution or the possibly
mineral-laden water rinse.

To limit the spotting and staining effect of a water rinse it should be followed with either an alcohol rinse dried with boxwood or metal finisher's sawdust, or, in most circumstances, a blast of compressed air. On cold parts, the condensation of water from a blast of air is minimal, and residual water trapped in tiny crevices can be removed with a blast of warm air from a parts dryer, a hair dryer, or heated air from the ductwork of a hot air system used to heat a workshop.

What a long-winded answer to a simple question. If you made it to the end, the answer is, use Murphy's oil soap as a substitute for the elusive oleic acid. More info click here - http://www.arlingtonclockrepair.com/

How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Garden

Spring is in the air, and eastern bluebirds are thinking domestic. In the late winter or early spring, the lovely robin-breasted eastern bluebird starts looking for a home. By strategically locating bluebird houses in your garden or yard, you can gain hours of enjoyment as you watch these lovely creatures pairing off, building nests, and raising clutches of little bluebirds.

1. Step 1
   

   Choose an open location. Bluebirds inhabit open grassy areas and parks. Further, bluebirds don't like a crowd. If you desire to erect more than one bluebird house, locate the houses at least 100 ft. apart.

2. Step 2
   

   Choose the style of bluebird house that best suits your landscape. Bluebird houses come in many different styles: Hollowed out logs set on metal pipe offer both a natural style nesting site and freedom from many types of predators. Boxes constructed of 1 x 6 boards are practical and inexpensive and can be made with a side or roof that is hinged for easy cleanout and monitoring.

3. Step 3
   

   Set a post or pipe in the ground that will allow the bluebird house to be approximately 5 ft. from the ground. While bluebirds will nest at higher elevations, monitoring the nesting box and cleaning out old nesting material will be easier if the house is set at a level that is convenient without climbing.

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Sharing the Joy of Carving Wood

More than 40 years ago, my dad made a surprise stop at a local hobby shop and bought me a small carving set. Looking back, I realize woodcarving played a major role in building my confidence and character. That little carving set, and the hours my dad spent teaching me how to use the tools, sparked my enthusiasm and marked the beginning of a trail. That trail has led me to teach woodcarving as a valuable coping skill for troubled kids.

As a counselor at a camp for at-risk kids, I discovered the true therapeutic value of woodcarving. At first, I simply carved during my spare time while working at camp. I noticed the kids would focus on my hands as I carved. After observing the calming effect my carving had on the kids, I began teaching them the basics of woodcarving. Carving soon became one of my group’s favorite activities.

After 13 years as a wilderness youth counselor, I joined the camp's education department and opened up the first woodshop program. As we saw how woodcarving improves the children's pride and confidence, we incorporated it as a big part of the curriculum. I have about 50 kids pass through my woodshop each week and I have seen the positive change it can create. You don't have to be a counselor or teacher to have an impact on a child's life. Share your passion for carving with your grandchildren or kids in your neighborhood.

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The Value of Antique Cuckoo Clocks

As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have always been manufactured by gifted artists and skilled craftsmen, many of the older pieces that have been even minimally cared for are still in existence today. A well-preserved cuckoo clock from the 18th or 19th century can bring a king's ransom at any of the prestigious auction houses around the world. Bidding can easily get up into the millions for a certified, pristine Schneider cuckoo clock in perfect working condition. Available in auction houses and high-priced boutiques around the world, antique cuckoo clocks are prized for their hand carved scenes, whimsical displays and attractive facades.

The familiar "cuckoo" sound on the half hour and on the hour never fails to turn heads. There is something about the unique call of the cuckoo, a bird that lays her eggs in the nests of other birds and then abandons her young to be raised by others, that hits a harmonious chord in the human psyche. Surely there are better behaved birds to signal the arrival of a new hour, and certainly any number of our aviary friends utter sweeter sounds that could have been employed to usher in that eagerly anticipated lunch hour. For some reason, the cuckoo clock became a worldwide phenomenon during a time when one part of the world was hardly aware of the goings in another.

The cuckoo clock was comparable to the automobile of its era, or the airplane of its time. Any well preserved, functioning example of its humble beginnings is worth a king's ransom today. Even on Ebay where items are sold as cheaply and quickly as possible, true antiques are sometimes listed for many thousands of dollars before the bidding is even close to being finished. If you've got an antique cuckoo clock, take good acre of it and, should the need arise, it will take good care of you.

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The Charm of Cuckoo Clocks By Harold Zoid

When you are someone who loves the idea of creating a very homey look in your abode or when you want something that is ironic and purposefully vintage, you may find that a cuckoo clock is precise what you need! A cuckoo clock is usually pendulum driven, though these days it is fairly common to find some that are operated via battery, and they typically have a movement that strikes or chimes on the hour. This movement is traditionally a bird that pops out of a small window to chirp the hour, but there are dozens of variations.

When you are looking around for a great cuckoo clock, you should consider what kind you want. While the battery operated clocks are wonderfully convenient, don't underestimate the charm of the older models, which have hours that are struck using a tiny bellow and pipes that imitate the call of the cuckoo bird. Some people do find the unique chime of the cuckoo clock to be endearing while other people do find it more annoying. Before you purchase a cuckoo clock, make sure that you consider how you eel about the chime inside.

When you are thinking about purchasing a cuckoo clock, you will find that there are two different kinds of movements; one is a one day movement that extends about thirty hours, while the other is an eight hour movement. Some even have musical movements, and along with the chiming of the bird, a Swiss music box movement is used to chime the hours as well. You will also find that these clocks can be wonderfully ornate; sometimes the bird is accompanied by other figures or there may be more than one bird involved in the mechanism that is set off on the hour.

You will also find that a cuckoo clock can make a wonderful gift for the people that you care about. In many cases, it has been the present for a young married couple to take to their new home and in a more modern context; it is perfect for anyone who is moving into a brand new house. Take some time and consider what your options are going to be when it comes to giving a cuckoo clock. The most traditional clocks of this type are carved in the "chalet" style, and in many cases, it will be decorated with carved wooden leaves and animals. They often have a very busy look to them and that might be important to consider before you purchase one.

There are so many great reasons to consider the purchase of a cuckoo clock, but remember that you are looking at something that is wonderfully charming and traditional. There are many reasons to purchase one, so find out which one suits you best.

Harold Zoid is a renowned mantel clock and cuckoo clock collector. His experience over the years in clock collecting has made him an authority figure for people looking for help with their mantle clock shopping.