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Posted

Hi All,

Despite having purchased tons of nice watch tools, I'm finally starting to get into finishing and micromechanics and I'm at a loss for what I need for filing and shaping metal.  I haven't found any "kits" out there for watchmakers with everything you need.  I'm not talking about broaches, I have plenty of those for various purposes.  I'm talking about hand files and sandpaper.

Anybody have suggestions on what files and cut I should get?  How about what different sand/diamond papers?  I already have lapping paper for restoring black polish, but what about grits for various graining?

Open to all thoughts since I'm very new in this particular aspect of watch repair/restoration.

Posted

For sanding cases, or when making parts, I find sanding sticks really useful. 

I also have some Valorbe Escapement files with fine cuts #6 and #8. When making small parts you need them with cuts this fine.

image.png.aab104bd699fd132055b19cf0a8792d1.png

 

1 hour ago, nickelsilver said:

For black polish on steel movement parts you really need a tin block, it's never flat on paper.

Where would you buy a tin block? 

I get good results with 3M lapping film (9 ,3 and 1 micron) stuck on to sheet glass (as shown in the Youtube vid).

It only takes a minute or two to do screw heads. 

 

  • Like 2
Posted
3 hours ago, nickelsilver said:

What kind of work are you looking to do? Case work? Beveling parts?

Both actually.  I have a few cases that have some areas to be reshaped before I strip and re-plate them.  Luckily I don't need to make any parts yet, knowing what to have on hand would be helpful.

Posted
1 hour ago, pent said:

Both actually.  I have a few cases that have some areas to be reshaped before I strip and re-plate them.  Luckily I don't need to make any parts yet, knowing what to have on hand would be helpful.

For working on cases before replating. I like to start with 600 grit, then 1000 to 1500 before polishing with a Dremel

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