Antique Fan Repair

Workshop Rates

Service Tiers for Machines With History

Every antique fan arrives with a different history, condition and set of mechanical or electrical needs. These rates are starting points, not rigid flat prices. Final pricing depends on the fan, its condition, required parts and the scope agreed upon after inspection.

Repair What Needs Repair. Preserve What Deserves Preserving.

Not every antique fan needs a full restoration. We recommend the level of work appropriate to the fan, its condition, its history and the owner’s goals.

In many cases, making the fan safe and mechanically sound while preserving its original finish is both the most economical and historically appropriate approach.

Workshop labor target: $75 per hour • Parts, outside services & shipping additional

What Each Tier Includes

Tier 1

Diagnostic Bench Evaluation & Minor Repairs

Starting at $75 (Non-Refundable)
  • Comprehensive mechanical evaluation and electrical safety inspection
  • Safety inspection of wiring, insulation and hardware
  • Baseline electrical documentation (resistance and current draw)
  • A detailed repair plan and estimate provided before active work proceeds
Note: This evaluation fee credits toward the final invoice if Tier 2 or Tier 3 service is authorized. Minor repairs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Tier 2

Repair & Preservation

Typically $175–$325 labor
  • Mechanical and electrical diagnosis
  • Electrical documentation including winding resistance, current draw and wiring schematic
  • Disassembly as required to correct the fault
  • Replacement of deteriorated or unsafe wiring as needed
  • Bearing service, lubrication, adjustment and alignment
  • Cleaning with emphasis on preserving original finishes and patina
  • Reassembly, current-draw checks and functional testing
  • One-hour test run with RPM measurements at each speed and a final temperature check
This is the preferred service for many fans that need to be safe, reliable and mechanically sound without unnecessary cosmetic restoration.
Tier 3

Full Restoration

Quoted after inspection
  • Complete mechanical, electrical and cosmetic restoration
  • Repair or replacement of worn components as needed
  • Period-correct or modern cloth wiring as appropriate
  • Blade, cage, base and cosmetic restoration as agreed
  • Outside services such as plating quoted separately when required
  • Performance tuning and extended test cycle
Original finishes and patina are preserved whenever practical unless a factory-style cosmetic restoration is specifically requested.
All work begins with inspection. $75/hour is used as the workshop labor target for work outside a defined service scope. Parts, shop materials, specialized outside services and shipping are additional. Any substantial change in scope is discussed with the owner before proceeding.