The February meeting on anniversary clocks reviewed examples in the annual competition for best restoration.  Clocks are compared with before and after evaluations of each clock, condition of dial, movement, hands etc.  The one with the most improved score wins.  It's a fabulous way to share techniques with each other and you learn so much.  Lots of fun and ribbing.    Click on pictures for a larger version.
This is Darrel's Coach Schatz. Polishing of the brass, condition of the screws, wheels, barrel and even the underside is checked.
Fred's Schatz 49 is under great scrutiny.  Of course it must be working - no point in all the polishing and cleaning if it doesn't tick!
Who ever heard of polishing the inside of balls, including the lead weights!  Greg has taken his Gustav Becker restoration to new heights.  Lindsay is taking all this seriously in marking this fine piece of work.
Ray's Kundo looks good, the hours of work have paid off. 

Doug talks about buffing, the dangers and the fact that all techniques remove metal and can dull edges.   There is a skill in using this method to minimise these effects
Cleaning the base using turps and gentle buffing using a bench mounted wheel.  Very fine special brass brushes and cotton wheels with rouge or other cutting agents can be used.  Great care must be taken and you should be shown by an expert to achieve a good result.   Any power wheel has the ability to get the work out of control and fly across the room.  Safety gear should be worn.