Hobbies And Interests
Basic Maintenance
Always proceed with care when cleaning a Black Forest cuckoo clock. Do not disassemble the gears or take apart the works. Clean off dust and grime with the aid of a compressed air canister - the same type of cleaner that is used to blow dust out of a computer. Aim the cleaner nozzle at difficult-to-reach parts inside the clock. Remove as much dust as possible. Clean out the pivot holes in the wheels. Dust and grime clog the works of the clock, preventing the gears from turning properly. Check the condition of the two bellows that make the sound of the cuckoo. These are usually found on opposite sides of the Black Forest cuckoo clock. One makes the sound "cuck," and the other "coo." The bellows consist of a wooden structure with cloth tops. If the cloth is ripped, it must be replaced. Generally, it is easier to replace the whole bellows rather than just the top.
Lubrication
A fully operational, dust-free Black Forest cuckoo clock requires proper lubrication to maintain its good condition. Heavy weights are constantly pulling down on the gears. The chafing action eventually causes oil to collect and solidify, forming a gritty barrier that will prevent the clock from working. Put some cuckoo clock cleaner on a cotton swab and carefully rub the old oil off of each gear. Do not scrape the gears or remove the patina from the parts of an old clock. The patina is the dark color that forms on the surface of the old gears. Patina occurs naturally. Its presence indicates that the Black Forest clock is old and possibly valuable. Old gears that are cleaned too well will reduce the value of the clock. After cleaning, relubricate the gears with light motor oil or graphite. A well-cleaned and lubricated Black Forest cuckoo clock should run for three to seven years without any major maintenance. If additional problems occur, or if the works of the clock require repairs, take the Black Forest clock to an experienced cuckoo clock repairman.