Jump to content

Rotary tool

ClaudioCavalli
 Share

Recommended Posts

ClaudioCavalli New Member

ClaudioCavalli

Posted
Posted

The next tool on my list is a rotary tool to fix a couple of scratched up crystals.  I've been reading up on watch forums on what tool people use and I see a lot of people use Dremel and Proxxon rotary tools (Did you guys see their mini lathes?  Wow!!).  However, I see that their minimum speeds are 2,000 rpm or so.  Isn't this too much for polishing?  No room for error?  I was looking at something like a Grobet rotary rool (See here) but they do not have specs for lowest speed on their web site.  However, similar tools on Amazon go down to 500 rpm.  Does anybody know if the Grobet goes down to 500 rpm as well?  Wouldn't this speed be better and more forgiving for polishing plexiglass crystals?

thank you

claudio

Link to comment
Share on other sites
HectorLooi Distinguished Member

HectorLooi

Posted
Posted

The Chinese made motors are pretty good too. I've been using one for the last 6 months. 

I think the electronic foot pedals for sewing machines may work as a substitute but it would require a bit of rewiring. The problem with the Chinese Foredom pedal is that the potentiometer has a very short travel of about 1 cm only. The sewing machine pedal has a potentiometer at least twice as long.

Flexshaft motors can go down to quite a low speed but it wouldn't have much torque at these speeds.

Polishing is a lot of trial and error. The required speed depends on the material being polished, the polishing compound used and the type of polishing tool used. (eg. Silicone rubber abrasives, soft felt, hard felt, wool mop, muslin mop, etc)

The amount of pressure used also depends on the above variables. Some require high pressure, others require a light touch.

It's a science as well as an art. Have fun! 😉

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 weeks later...
VWatchie Distinguished Member

VWatchie

Posted
Posted
On 12/26/2023 at 5:41 AM, ClaudioCavalli said:

I've been reading up on watch forums on what tool people use and I see a lot of people use Dremel and Proxxon rotary tools (Did you guys see their mini lathes?  Wow!!).

I haven't had the best of experiences with a rotary tool for polishing.

I've had a lot more success using a dedicated polishing machine so I'd recommend that.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • AlanB
      Bushing a hole in a thin brass plate

      By AlanB · Posted

      Very rarely need to do this in a watch (as opposed to a clock) since usually the holes in thinner parts are jewelled and the ones that need bushing are the larger ones with more metal around them e.g. the barrel or centre wheel, but I have an example of a hammer pivot running in a thin part of the main plate of a repeater which has too much side shake and needs sorting.  Are there any tricks to doing this, or should I (reluctantly) be thinking of the domed punch - which normally I'd avoid. I'd like to add a photo but this is only really visible under the microscope and my microscope doesn't have a camera attachment.
    • DForbesVA
      Benrus - Open Through Crystal - Waterproofing?

      By DForbesVA · Posted

      JJenkins...thank you for the response. I don't believe these models have a bezel that tightens down. The crystal is removed/inserted into the top of the case using a crystal lift/remover, and fits in tightly. Once the crown and crystal are removed, the movement can be removed out the front of the case.    Geotex...thank you very much for your response. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of how the watch parts fit together, and for the tip about the groove in the case, and the washer on the crown. I'll post back on here whenever I can find the time to work on the watches.   
    • rph952
      Jewel spring is a headache to install

      By rph952 · Posted

      After a long delay, I finally got the shock springs reinserted! I taped down the small bridge that held the jewel to my steel riveting anvil so it wouldn't move around and that helped a lot. The spring on the main body was easy in comparison. I purchased 25 springs from H&W Perrin in Canada ($9 with shipping) and found a good fit for the one I lost. Alex has great videos, which helped me with the spring. This Westclox with a Seiko movement is fighting me every step of the way. I'm sure it was never serviced. Almost every screw was frozen and needed a good soaking. The transmission fluid/penetrating oil combo worked best. The good news is that everything is in great shape.
    • Knebo
      ETA 2824 Rotor Bearing Change ?

      By Knebo · Posted

      Hello all,  I'm reactivating this old thread with a question.  I've of course watched Marc's video.  I'm just wondering if that pin in the center of the anvil he's making (on the lathe to push out the bearing) is really necessary. I have an anvil that has a hole just the right size to fit the bearing and hold the rotor, but it doesn't have that center pin.  I've seen other videos online where people do without the pin.  Cheers 
    • RichardHarris123
      Looking for Iris BC3 crown gasket...

      By RichardHarris123 · Posted

      Strange, I can find what you want on CousinsUK but nothing in the US.  
×
×
  • Create New...