Problem with Time-O-Light Model M-72

[Wmcgowin]

Hello all-

I have a Time O Light model M-72. The timer hand on it (the small red one that moves) goes past zero when I try to use it. Initially, it only ran over by a couple of seconds, and so I would just compensate when setting the time. But now it runs over by 8 seconds or so. Stated another way, if I set the timer to zero and hit the start button it will run for 8 seconds, when it shouldn't run at all.

I don't have a manual for this timer, but I think there has to be a way to adjust it. Is there a manual online, or does anyone know how to correct this problem?

 

[fschifano]

Honestly, they sell on eBay for about $10. Get another one.

 

[ic-racer]

If you just try and get another on e-bay it could be worse than what you already have: (http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-printing-finishing-forum/008GL9)

Loosen the set screw and re-align the pointer.

 

[Wmcgowin]

I think the problem is that the set screws are missing. Maybe I'll just dump it and get a new one on Ebay.

 

[CBG]

Wmcgowin,

Send your bad old M-72 to me ...

For some reason I just love the gear motor chugging sound Time-O-Lites make, and I like the thought of keeping one as a working timer by fixing it up.

If you're going to trash it, I'll pay shipping and a couple of bucks for your time packing.

Seriously. PM me.

C

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

I think the problem is that the set screws are missing. Maybe I'll just dump it and get a new one on Ebay.

You can often replace the setscrew with an any-ole-screw, though sometimes not: setscrews are hardened and have 'cup' points on them that dig into the shaft; regular screws are soft steel and will slip on the hard(er) shaft if it is steel. If the shaft is aluminum then a regular screw will hold with no problems.

If it is a steel shaft then if you put the pointer back on with some glue, and tighten the screw with some glue in the threads, it will usually hold. Try Pliobond (contact cement) and put things together with the glue wet, don't allow it to get tacky - that way if you put the pointer on a bit crooked it should be possible to pry things apart and try again - it will take a day to dry. Blue Loctite will also work. You want something that will let you take it apart again if needed.

 

[Wmcgowin]

To be honest, I tried a while back to loosen the pointer once I realized the set screws were missing-with no luck. I figured I was missing something, so I stopped.

I went on EBAY and got another one for $9.95. Hard to beat that deal. CBG, PM me if you want the old one-otherwise it will make a nice doorstop-LOL.