Sunbeamers,
Over the holidays, I worked on about a dozen Smiths tachometers, in addition
to the many tachs I've worked on prior to that. I have noticed that a lot
of them were unable to register above 4 to 5 grand. I surmised that the
movements were getting dirty and or worn, so I went to my local jeweler to
tell him my problem and ask him how he lubricates watches. He suggested I
try sewing machine oil. The good news is it didn't seem to make the
movement worse, but it sure didn't improve it either. So I gave up on that
idea.
I solve the problem literally using brute force. I lower the resistance of
the thermistor/resistor pair to provide more energy to the deflection coil.
While this works, I'd really rather have a way of effectively lubricating
these old tachs. The original lubrication is 30 years old.
So the question is, what do the various materials and/or mechanical experts
on the lists recommend I try to extend the life of these old beasts?
I've already had one person suggest sperm oil, but I wouldn't even know
where to find that, let alone want to risk bringing down the wrath of whale
lovers everywhere onto my head.
Mark
PS, this email is also a test to see if the "smut filters" at Intergraph
will reject an email with the word "lubrication" in it. T.J, email me if
you don't get this.
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