Does this ancient watch cleaning machine hold a secret?

I show the previously deconstructed guts of an L&R watch cleaning machine.

[@lastwordindicator]

That's not a Master motor head. It looks to be from a Mastermatic just like you said. The Master head is just a straight cylinder shape with a domed top, and 4 vent slits on the back. The Mastermatic head is oblong with 2 vents and a bulge on the top to contain the auto-oscillating mechanism, like yours. The model of the master head just says (Master) at least mine does. The others are the oblong units with models (M A or C)

[@jimmykao3355]

Hi, I noticed that you also have a more modern cleaning machine (the blue one) Would you say that the modern one is just as good as the L+R? I also have a mastermatic, but it's probably on its last legs as there is an orange glow within the housing when the motor is running (along with the burning metallic smell). I'm thinking of giving up on this and just buying a modern one. Would love your thoughts. Can you also share a link for where you purchased that blue one? Thank you.

[@H0lyman01]

I purchased the Pearl machine through Etsy. The seller allows you to select whether you want it set up for 110v or 220v. The problem I had was that despite being set up for 110v, it had a European plug on it. They sent along the cheapest, most dangerous travel adapter I have ever seen. You will want to replace the plug properly. I got mine in the electrical section of my local True Value.

[@43rdinfdiv]

How did you seperate the two parts of the head? I can't seem to figure that out.

[@H0lyman01]

If memory serves there were screws in through the bottom. However, there is an aluminum disc that is press fit onto the motor shaft. It must come of in order to separate the halves. It was incredibly stubborn. Mine suffered some slight damage during removal. I was being very careful because I knew it was aluminum, which is very soft metal. I rally am not sure of it's purpose, it doesn't seem critical to functionality. Also, be sure there are no small allen head set screws on the sides of the casing, holding them together.

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

I wish you'd filmed the disassembly. I'm trying to restore one of these machines (newer model I think, it's the mastermatic...like the one in your thumbnail), for all the same reasons you did. The wiring is shot (crispy and broken in places). But now that I'm knee deep into this project I wish I'd just left well enough alone. The machine was working and I underestimated how much of a pain in the ass it will be to restore it. First, how in the world did you get the aluminum disk off the shaft? I'm afraid to use force but mine is on tight as hell. Second, there is a very small (tiny) screw on the side of the housing. I'm assuming this one tiny screw is holding the housing together, but I'm not sure. I'm at that point that I might as well FULLY restore the machine, including stripping it down and repainting the housing. Thanks for any response.

[@H0lyman01]

That disc is a major pain in the ass. It is pressed on (like the bearings). Add some heat to the disc. It will expand and you'll be able to get it off. Just be careful as I'm sure you know the melting point of aluminum is much lower than steel. Yes, there is a set screw holding the two halves. You'll need to pull that disc first as it also holds the halves together. Also, the lower bearing on the shaft was pressed into the lower case half.

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

@@H0lyman01 Thank you! I got it off using a car bushing puller. Now I've got it open. The rotor isn't coming out and the stator core doesn't seem to want to come out. Is it held in place by anything, or is mine just stuck to the housing? With the rotor in place I can't really see much. Again, I'm afraid to use force, I don't want to break anything I can't replace. Thanks again!

[@H0lyman01]

@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove It is likely being held in by the bearing on the top of the rotor shaft. It is pressed on the shaft and friction fit in the housing. Have you pulled the brushes and brush holders out yet? Be careful as they are bakelite and very brittle. They must be removed first if I remember correctly.

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

@@H0lyman01 I'm absolutely surprised this motor ran. The insulation has deteriorated so bad. I got the stater out, but as I did all the insulation on the electrical wires denigrated. Yes I removed the brushes, but the brush holders seem stuck in place. Do they push out? I'm at that awful phase where I think I've made a BIG MISTAKE trying to take this thing apart. What seemed like it would a straight forward operation has turned into a bit of nightmare.

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

@@H0lyman01 Thank you for trying to help.