Chapter Events

CHAPTER MEETINGS:

Typically the second Saturday of each even month, but not always.  Please check the date on the main page or the flyer.

February 18th 2012 Chapter Highlights

By Ward Miller










Chapter president John Greeney began the workshops with a demonstration of electrolytic rust removal.  This method is especially suited for delicate objects and parts composed of several different metals.  He used a large glass bowl, containing a mixture of baking soda and water.  Then connected an automotive battery charger's negative wire to the rusty clock part and the positive wire to a large railroad spike, serving as the anode.  After submerging both the anode and the clock part in the solution, making certain they were close but not touching, he turned on the battery charger.  It very slowly caused the rust to be removed from the clock part and to be deposited on the anode. 

This process can take hours.  When the anode becomes caked with the rust, the system must be turned off and the anode wire brushed clean.  Then it is submerged and the system turned back on.  Occasionally wire brushing the rusty clock part may also hasten the process a bit.

Greeney cautioned to not use this method with a zinc or stainless steel anode.  They produce dangerous gases.  As demonstrated, this process does not use any harsh chemicals and is entirely safe, while considering the electrical aspects of the process.

Next on the program was George Mednick demonstration installing commercial bushings.  Using a pivot gauge, he determined what size bushing was required. Then using a KWM bushing tool and working with the inside surface of the clock plate facing up, he first centered the pivot hole under the tool's operating shaft.  Next he used a cutter to ream out the hole so the pre-made bushing could be inserted.  Then he replaced the cutter with a pusher head and pushed the bushing in place.  The hole in the anvil under the pivot hole was slightly larger than the diameter of the bushing, so the bushing could protrude if it was longer than the plate's thickness.

Ian Wetherly presented the final workshop.  When working with a weight driven clock outside its case, securing either end of the cable, gut or cord can be a serious problem.  The hole in the winding drum can wear to a sharp edge and gnaw off the knot, so he recommends smoothing the hole edge and also removing any knots rattling around inside the drum.  They can work their way out and jam the mechanism.

For securing the other end in his work stand, he uses a small block of wood with a slit in it.  The cord can then have a simple overhand knot on its end while it is slipped into the slot.  The block is just large enough to straddle his work stand.  Also, he glued some small dowels in the block, so it would not split under tension. 

Finally, he suggested using masking tape wrapped around the drum to keep the cable, gut or cord in their grooves while the tension is off them.  A simple solution to an often annoying problem.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Directions to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church from US 9 (N or S )

• At Poughkeepsie, take the 44/55 EAST exit.
   
• Proceed EAST on 44/55 for about 2 miles, where they split.
  
  
• Keep right and stay on Rte 55.
  
  
• Continue EAST on Rte 55 for about 5.5 miles You will pass a McDonald’s on your left, then a Getty station on your right.
  
  
• Immediately after the Getty station, there is a traffic light at the entrance of Arlington High School, which is on your left.
  
  
• Immediately after that traffic light you will find the church parking lot, on your right.

Directions to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church from Taconic Parkway

• Take the Poughkeepsie/Route 55/West exit.
  

• Proceed WEST on Rte 55 to the first traffic light (about 0.3 mile),
  

• At Stringham Road. You will see the large white church at that intersection, on your left.
  

• Just past the church, make a left turn into the parking lot.
  

• There is an overflow parking lot just east of the church, entrance on Stringham Road.
  

• The meeting room is on the west side of the church, adjacent to the main parking lot.

Directions to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church from I-84

• Choose Taconic State Parkway or US 9, whichever is closer.
  

• Either proceed about 9 miles north on the Taconic State Parkway, or about 12 miles north on US 9.
  

• Then follow the respective directions above.

Directions to Picnic

• Take Taconic Parkway North or South to James Baird State Park exit. (Mile Marker 48) Look for Shelter signs.