MAINTENANCE

-WEAR-

     All load bearing moving surfaces are subject to wear over time.  The official formula is:

  FRICTION X RPM X LOAD X TIME = WEAR

     While this appears to doom the sculpture, it is not as damning as it first may appear.  Although I can't do anything about the TIME factor, for various practical reasons the RPM factor and the LOAD factor are kept quite low.

     Additionally, the application of a lubricant can substantially reduce the FRICTION component.  The result of all this is that (after some initial experimentation with the first ones) my sculptures have been surprisingly resistant to wear problems.  Just be sure to keep all bearing surfaces lubricated.

     I recommend that once a year you place a drop of chain lube on each point where metal rubs against metal.  Chain lube seems to work best because it is heavy duty and contains a penetrant that carries the lubricant into the wear point.  It also comes with a long thin tube to get to hard to reach areas.

     Just a note; experience has taught me not to use WD-40 because it tends to carry away the lubricant and dry up the surface making the bearing more susceptible to corrosion.

-DUST-

     These sculptures do tend to be dust collectors.  Luckily the computer industry has developed cans of compressed gas used to blow dust from tiny heat producing electrical components. This is perfect for keeping my sculptures clean.

     The only problem I have run into is dust and pet hair trapped in lubricant which makes for a gooey concoction.  The remedy is a small cloth or Q-tip and a little bit of solvent and patience.

     To prevent this condition, it is best to lubricate only the points you want and limit the overspray.

-DAMAGE-

     I realize that my sculptures must live in the real world therefore I do my best to ruggedize them against bangs and falls.  It is nevertheless, inevitable that some sculptures will wind up bent.  Don't panic!  My sculptures are made from a mild steel which allows them to be bent many times before metal fatigue sets in.  Using two small pliers, grab both sides of the bend and force it back to normal.  In most cases, if it looks good enough to you, it will function properly.  I don't believe that there is much you can do to make things worse.  And of course you may always send it back to me for repair.   

-GENERAL-

I love my machines!  I cackle maniacally whenever I discover a new mechanism.  Having said this I must confess that I do not leave any of my own sculptures in my home, including clocks, running indefinitely.  I find the noise irritating.  I turn them on only when displaying them for guests or when I need a good laugh.  given that I design my sculptures for longevity to begin with,  This protocol should virtually ensure the life and health of my sculptures.