Joiner's Musings

Stromberg Carlson model 662  I have had this Stromberg Carlson console radio since 1987. It was bought at a household auction near Amherst, Nova Scotia. I have done nothing to it over the years but I have noticed recently that it is looking a little haggard. Here is what I know. It is a Canadian model 662 which I believe was built in 1946. It is a shortwave and broadcast band radio. I think, but do not know for certain, that it was the also referred to as the model 552 in other markets. Stromberg Carlson model 662 I would like to refinish the cabinet but need a little guidance. In the first photo you will see that from a distance it looks okay. Upon closer examination you can see that the stain has lifted along what appears to be a darker band. There are other areas like the base that need to be refurbished as well. Radio face You will also notice that there are two dark bands on each side of the cabinet and I assume that they are there as part of the manufacturin...

Dugena mantle clock I bought this Dugena mantle clock for $30CDN. The owner assured me that it was an old clock and not to expect it to be perfect. It certainly is not perfect. It is a 2-train German made Bim-Bam clock. There is a strike and a time train. The strike train is off because it will strike incessantly. No doubt something is either worn, broken or misaligned. Movement for Dugena clock My first attempt at cleaning it involved taking out the movement and placing it in an ammonia bath with some Murphy's soap. The net result is that once I dried it off it was no different than before. The clock has a balance wheel escarpment and it looks as though the spring might be a little weak because the wheel does not spin more than 180 degrees. Bottom line, it needs to be taken apart and cleaned properly. Given that I have never taken a clock apart it looks like a daunting task for a couple of reasons. One, I do not have the right tools and two, if I took it apart there is...