Hi, Can I check how do you close the collet of the watch hands without a staking tool? I have a upcoming watch that is on the way to me with loose hands. I don't know how to close the watch hands in order to make it tight and not loose. I heard something about the staking tool but it's very expensive. Even if I could afford it, I would not know how to use the staking tool. I want to know how do you guys do it and how and are there any pics? Thank you!!

Now that you mention it, yes, Tmuir.  I wouldn't have if not for your suggestion.  I have router a bit that does a semicircle, I'll set it to barely penetrate the top wood.  Enough to do the job.  I'm also wondering how I'm going to slope the fronts of the prison walls downwards.  Maybe a french curve?  Template?  Not sure yet.  I would love any other suggestions.  I'm just starting out, and not familiar with the features of a high quality bench.

Rotor types and case  backs  can vary as well 

If you are not opposed  to used parts try speedtimerkollektion. You can buy used cases in lots. 28.5 mm dial diameter  is pretty  much a seiko standard  size. Pay attention  to stem location. It varies 

Get everything spotless amd try again. If problem still persists I would imagine the problem be caused be distance between jewels too great and/or jewels not meeting parallel.