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Hi, I thought i’d share a bit of a journey I’ve been on in restoring my Brenray Watch Cleaning Machine. I have been inspired and helped along the way by some kind forum members. So I bought the machine on the Bay of E and whilst it was working, I wasn’t totally happy with the condition and worried about the wiring. I sought advice and decided to pluck up the courage to take on the project….. Here is my progress so far…. I have completely disassembled the machine, removed and rewired the loom assembly, cleaned the switches, lamp, chromeware, rheostat, replaced the heater, disassembled and rewired the motor, and stripped the powder coated paint (what a drama that was!). Then it was ready for new paint…… decisions, decisions?? I toyed with many options Cream? Silver? Or Elma Blue? I really liked the hammered silver option but in the end when with original white in hammered finish as this colour came in brush on and spray options. Repainting ended up being a real pain, the coats took ages to cure and did not take well to the new bare metal (despite being a direct to metal paint!) so it was back in the acetone bath to be stripped, primed this time and fresh coats of paint!

Hi All! I have made the acquaintance of a young chap from my town who has started dealing in watches, watch parts and watch repair equipment, as well as jewellery. He's working from home at the moment but plans opening a small shop later in the year. I came across him through the auction site whose name shall not be mentioned and contacted him, as he suggested that there was more to come by way of auction lots. I went to meet him and among other items for disposal are two watch cleaning machines. I have been offered a choice between the two, neither of which is expensive, but I thought I might run this past you all as so many of you obviously have experience with both options. These are: A Brenray three-pot machine. I don't know the model number but it's very similar to this - http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mKJexSEMCR-3npQsPqZzKJQ.jpg A Bandelin Sonorex R83 ultrasonic machine. I note that Mark uses a mechanical machine but all my requirements would probably be filled by the ultrasonic one, being only for my own hobby watch servicing needs. Please let me have your thoughts and experiences - I'd value ANY input. Currently my new friend has available a Bergeon Watchmakers Table virtually identical to the one in Geo's post - http://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/841-workbench-height-solution/ (Go to post #13 from Blacklab) Thanks John