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Some feedback from a beginner

dnhb
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dnhb WRT Addict

dnhb

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There are many things I've learned in the year or so I've been tinkering with clocks & watches, most of them courtesy of the helpful WRT community. By way of an attempt at giving something back - in the sense of 'paying it forward' for the possible benefit of others at an early stage in the hobby - I thought I'd mention one or two of the things I've assimilated & find generally useful. 

The first is Patience: not letting oneself get annoyed when parts won't sit the right way up for the tweezers to grab and/or won't slot easily into place. To help, I remind myself that with each attempt I'm improving my manual dexterity ("practice makes perfect") so the time spent should be looked on as an investment. This approach was reinforced by reading, in George Daniels 'Watchmaking', his advice to simply practice turning tweezers through 360 deg. while holding small objects to improve one's dexterity. The other aspects of Patience I've learned are knowing when to walk away; and not trying anything tricky if one isn't in the right frame of mind.

In terms of techniques, I've learned to start small screws once seated by gently giving them - with a 'stroking' motion - a few turns with the tweezers so that, being then somewhat secured, I don't 'go down a snake' when applying the much heavier screwdriver. I find my oilers are also useful for starting screws more gently than I can with the screwdriver. Of course I've lost my share of springs & screws as I've been learning just how much/little pressure to apply to them and have spent much time on my hands & knees. Yes it's frustrating but when I do locate one of the little b----rs I find I'm feeling as I imagined the father of the prodigal Son felt rather than cursing it! Another aspect of Patience, I suppose!

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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Sounds as if you are doing very well, we all those times of being on our hands and knees looking for a needle in a haystack. You will find a way using your tweezers and screwdrivers  which suits you best. It's fine reading books but there is nothing better then getting your hands dirty. What clocks have you worked on? 

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dnhb WRT Addict

dnhb

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1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

What clocks have you worked on? 

A couple of French 8-day clocks where you educated me regarding the Bricot suspension. You also took an interest in the 2 LCCs I've addressed. I've got a couple of Anniversary clocks going and am currently  working on my 2nd Westminster movement. All these have been tinkered with at the behest of friends & acquaintances & given me some satisfaction....

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