Workshop Projects 

Here you will find a pictorial log of some of the Musical Boxes that I have purchased for my collection, for restoration before sale or a commission. Hover over the image for a title or click an image to see more detail. This is only a representation of workshop pieces. To see more select from the navigation fly-outs.
​The process of restoration varies from box to box and I'm usually working on several projects at the same time as there is drying time and sometimes waiting for materials time.

Cleaning the mechanism may take several forms depending on the material and how dirty it is.
Firstly I strip it down to the individual components (click here). I don't always remove the spring from the motor case unless it's necessary.
I sometimes use an ultrasonic bath filled with warm water to which a degreaser has been added. This literally 'shakes' off the muck.
If it's very oily I then may use WD40 degreaser to completely degrease the parts. Sometimes I need to use a dentist pick to individually remove grease from the teeth of the gears. A small wire brush can also be useful here.
To remove the tarnish from brass I immerse the smaller parts in Horolene for 12 hours (overnight).
0000 grade steel wool can be useful to bring a lustre back to metal, especially brass, and a glass fibre pen is great for getting into awkward places.
For really bad rust and corrosion I use a rust remover and sometimes a small rotary wire brush in my Dremel, but great care must be taken, especially when cleaning up the comb so as not to dislodge any dampers. I don't mend combs, but I can have them repaired by a professional.
Once reassembled I turn my attention to the pins. Some may have broken or been bent. I don't have the skills or equipment to replace broken pins, but I do straighten the bent ones so that the tunes play correctly. Special magnifying glasses and tools are required for this delicate task.
When it's all done I use a special fine wax to prevent tarnish. This is difficult to apply to the cylinder so I polish it with Autosol which contains a wax.
To see all the components that make up a 20th century 3/36 note movement click here
For a large cartel follow the Nicol Freres restoration by clicking here. 

Some of the boxes require sensitive antique furniture restoration skills, including removal of old finishes, dismantling joints, regaling using traditional glues and techniques and of course refinishing, polishing and waxing. I attended a Cours in late 2021 to learn these skills from an expert, Peter Thompson, aided by his wife Josie. I highly recommend Peter's courses.
Site last updated 2nd May 2025


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