Sextant Maintenance

[paredondo]

Hi All,

I bought a second hand Lilley & Gillie sextant (Tamaya re-branded) which needs maintenance. The Index arm and the spring release clamp are quite stiff since it has old oil and because it might not have been properly maintained for a long time.

I would like to clean it, by removing the old oil sludge, without disassembling it, does anyone have any recommendations on what kind of product I should use and how?

Many thanks,
Pedro

[SeanPatrick]

https://sextantbook.com/

[tkeithlu]

Try also Basic Optics and Optical Instruments, which is the US Navy manual for maintenance. Available from Amazon.

[tkeithlu]

Ordinary rubbing alcohol or light oil dissolves old grease. Working at the clamp you can keep it well away from the backsides of the mirrors, the only possible risk. Get yourself a photographic lens cleaning kit such as this one from Amazon for the mirrors and lenses.

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-...s%2C239&sr=8-3

Have fun making it really good, and congratulations on your new prize possession.