Pivot Polishing/Burnishing & Bushings

Description: This three-day workshop will focus on the importance of pivot polishing and pivot burnishing. These are two separate processes, and all clocks benefit from having this service performed. Pivot polishing/burnishing will first be conducted by hand, then by using a modern benchtop mini-lathe. Participants will also polish/burnish pivots using the Rollimat Pivot Polisher machine. 

Most clocks will show signs of pivot hole wear, especially spring-driven clocks. For this reason, bushing pivot holes will be necessary. During this workshop, at least one bushing will be inserted by hand, while other bushings will be inserted using the Bergeon bushing system or KWM bushing machines. If you have your own bushing machine and bushings, please contact the instructor about using them in the workshop. 

Additionally, the first day of the workshop will focus on learning basic lathe operations, with the creation of individual “runners” or a simple and inexpensive Jacot-type of pivot support. All workshop participants will be provided a non-functioning American time/strike clock movement to “restore.” This movement may be kept by the participant after the completion of the workshop. 

Tools: The practice movement (yours to keep) and basic hand tools (that remain property of the School of Horology) will be provided. If you have your own practice movement, please contact the instructor for approval to use it in this workshop. Bring your own binocular magnifier (visor) or similar device and safety glasses for all lathe operations and mainspring removal. Magnifying visors and safety glasses will be provided if you do not have them. 

Enrollment: Limited to 6 participants

Instructor: Ken De Lucca (kdelucca@nawcc.org) & Sam Gradel (sgradel@nawcc.org)

Price for Members: $850.00

Price for Non-Members: $975.00

When: August 1-3, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: NAWCC School of Horology, 454 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512

Please contact Ken De Lucca, Education Director, at kdelucca@nawcc.org or telephone 717-684-8261, ext. 237 with any questions. 

Visit nawcc.org/education/ to sign up today!