How To Repair Old Barometer

How to repair a century-quondam barometer

Question: I have an English barometer that I think is at least 100 years old. It does not work correctly, every bit the mercury holder on the back needs attention. Whatsoever ideas on where I could have this done?

— McLean

Answer: Marking Pellmann, who does business organisation as the Clock Maker at Gwathmey (804-752-6633; www.masterclockmaker.com) does this type of work. Although it might be possible to transport the barometer to him, he strongly recommends bringing it to his shop in Ashland, Va. (about 1½ hours due south on Interstate 95) and picking it upwards over again when it is repaired.

Shipping rules regarding mercury bated, there are applied reasons why hand-delivery makes sense, Pellmann said. Some mercury barometers aren't sealed, and then the mercury could drain out if you shipped the instrument and the package tipped. And even if he sealed the opening earlier sending the repaired instrument back to you, a sharp drop might push button the heavy mercury against the glass with enough forcefulness to shatter it, negating all the work he did. Plus, Pellman said, almost of his customers discover a visit to his store interesting and informative.

The barmoeter. (Reader photo)

If you bring in the musical instrument, he will assess whether information technology is a uncomplicated repair or something more involved. He tin can usually estimate the cost of a simple repair on the spot, but if the cost is likely to be more than $300, he usually assesses the projection more carefully and then gets back to the customer with an itemized proposal earlier he does any piece of work.

Another people who repair antique clocks also work on vintage scientific instruments, including mercury barometers. If you desire to track downwardly other repair options, a identify to commencement is the directory of people who restore timepieces that's published by the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors on its Web site, www.nawcc.org.

Question: I just bought a house that was congenital in the 1940s. The bathtub has blue vinyl seashell not-slip decals on the bottom that I want to remove. I've tried booze, boiled vinegar and Goo Gone and Oops adhesive removers. Nothing has loosened the stickers. I tried scoring them with an herb slicer to go to the adhesive, only even that didn't work. Have you lot any suggestions?

— Prince Frederick

Answer: A tub from the 1940s is probably porcelain, which is tougher than some more modern finishes. So you should exist able to scrape off the decals with a single-edge razor blade. To avert scratching the surface, utilize a fresh blade and dribble on a little liquid dish lather first for lubrication. Proceed the blade at a low bending, about parallel to the tub surface. It might help to soften the plastic start with a hair dryer.

Once you lot remove the decals, the adhesive removers should assistance accept off remaining residuum.

Accept a trouble in your home? Ship questions to localliving@washpost.com . Put "How To" in the field of study line, tell usa where you live and attempt to include a photo.

The Checklist Read Jeanne Huber'southward calendar month-by-month roundup of dwelling house-comeback tasks at washingtonpost.com/domicile.

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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/how-to-repair-a-century-old-barometer/2014/04/08/db8d97f0-b6a4-11e3-8cc3-d4bf596577eb_story.html

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