What' the Stick?

[rehajm]

An eBay find- from one of you, perhaps? The calipers are as expected but what do you do with the stick?

[nickelsilver]

It's to grab the rim to twist it when truing bimetallic balances. They come in different sizes, usually with two cutouts per, yours looks like someone filed open one of them quite a bit.

 

I'm sure they're useful but I've trued tons of bimetallic balances and never used this tool.

[rehajm]

12 minutes ago, nickelsilver said:

It's to grab the rim to twist it when truing bimetallic balances. They come in different sizes, usually with two cutouts per, yours looks like someone filed open one of them quite a bit.

 

I'm sure they're useful but I've trued tons of bimetallic balances and never used this tool.

...and aren't fingers a better tool?

[KarlvonKoln]

Someone told me the technical name is "balance wrench", but as the others just mentioned, that is what they are for.  I have two, maybe three, of them.  And I find myself often using other means.  Personally, I find them a tad awkward to use.  The balance screws are always in the way and I have trouble gauging how much pressure I'm using.

[Neverenoughwatches]

52 minutes ago, rehajm said:

...and aren't fingers a better tool?

i was about to say you are lucky because they are often missing, but you will probably never use it for its intended purpose.

[rehajm]

6 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

i was about to say you are lucky because they are often missing, but you will probably never use it for its intended purpose.

Some days I’m willing to try anything

[VWatchie]

While on the topic. I still don't have a truing caliper and I don't know how to use it (although I get the general idea). Is anyone aware of some good posts or videos on this topic?

[Neverenoughwatches]

7 hours ago, rehajm said:

Some days I’m willing to try anything

I believe you should always try something for yourself, but use caution and have the mindset that it may not work. That should hopefully help you back out before you get in too deep and the proceedure potentially goes pear shaped.

13 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

While on the topic. I still don't have a truing caliper and I don't know how to use it (although I get the general idea). Is anyone aware of some good posts or videos on this topic?

Morning Watchie. Theres a video somewhere kicking around that John posted a while back. I'll see if i can find it. 

[rehajm]

5 hours ago, VWatchie said:

While on the topic. I still don't have a truing caliper and I don't know how to use it (although I get the general idea). Is anyone aware of some good posts or videos on this topic?

I'm interested as well. I've been using Fried and a pro for some help but rather than a disciplined approach it feels like wading into something similar to hairspring voodoo. I did manage early success on a beefy, non-compensated wheel but it was beginners luck..

[Neverenoughwatches]

14 minutes ago, rehajm said:

I'm interested as well. I've been using Fried and a pro for some help but rather than a disciplined approach it feels like wading into something similar to hairspring voodoo. I did manage early success on a beefy, non-compensated wheel but it was beginners luck..

I cxnt find the posted vid from John but here is something from our very own JD

https://youtu.be/wFSE16JDxfQ

[VWatchie]

Here's another video explaining truing calipers. Haven't seen it through yet, but it seems like it could be good!? 

 

[JohnR725]

On 4/30/2023 at 9:17 AM, nickelsilver said:

I'm sure they're useful but I've trued tons of bimetallic balances and never used this tool.

often times I don't even use the truing calipers I just bend the bimetallic balances with my fingers. but sometimes I use the tool it just depends on where the bend is and what I'm trying to do.

then sometimes books are helpful versus videos like at the link below. all sorts of interesting things to download here  but for truing balance wheels are going to the section titled Joseph School of Watch Making. Then  rather than download each of the sections just go down to the part where you download the entire book  otherwise I believe it section 2 for truing balance wheels and the tool is shown..\

https://www.mybulova.com/vintage-bulova-catalogs