Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • 2 weeks later...

darthdosh, I think you are getting too technical for me. :)

 

I would also recommend not to smoke while working on watches even if you are not using any of the different chemicals (for cleaning, lubing and other stuff), a small amount of cinder or any other debris from a cigar/cigarette can contaminate your work...anything can contaminate your work and your workplace. You must strive for a clean, dust free environment.

 

Cheers

 

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Bob! I will try using the lighter liquid. One last question :) What exactly does an ultrasonic cleaner do in terms of cleaning the parts? and do you think it would also work if I simply rinsed the parts in an ultrasonic cleaner solution without the machine? Thank you! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't really answer the question accurately but I can tell you that ultrasonics warm up the cleaning/rinsing solutions so they should not be flammable (or not much) and help dissolve the gunk and greases. The "waves" will penetrate small places all over and detach dirt from the parts. It is said that it will -- with enough sessions -- wash away the plating and other finishes from objects submitted to this process. So, it is very powerful. The solutions themselves are designed for this process and they are rather expensive.

 

Lighter fluid doesn't need the "tech" add on (the machine). It is able to achieve a good result by simply dipping the parts and stirring a bit (usually with circular movements and/or agitating the fluid, gently, with the air from the blower). Check out some of Marks videos on cleaning hairsprings and jewels. Even with my ultrasonic machine I still use lighter fluid for those.

 

I'll give you an example: I wash my jalopy (old car) with the rain and it does the job (just park it outside, it is free). If I had a, say, 2015 Jaguar, I'll spend US$150 for a good hand wash every time (maybe). So there you have it, both methods do the job one better than the other but the objective is achieved.

 

The beauty of the lighter fluid vs. Ultrasonic solutions, -- both valid and proven methods -- is that both will do a better job than rain on my car!

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

I just clean around 5-10 movements/year and never bought any machine.  I don't mind spending 1-2 hours cleaning parts.  Its relaxing....lol and I dont do this for the money.

I've seen a few movement/part get some nasty wear marks from cleaning machines/ultrasonics so really dont care for them.  If I did this for a living, that would be a different story.

 

I just bought some small closeable metal straining baskets from Esslingers in the USA.  I just put a few parts in at a time (usually the mainplate/balance go in first).  Soak for about 3-4 minutes with some light back and forth movement to agitate.  Then put in 2 different rinses.  I remove key bridges/mainplate and peg the jewel holes and rewash/rinse if needed or just for good measure.  I use a blower to dry the parts and also dry with watchpaper.  The metal watchband goes in last.

 

I use Zenith 67 cleaner and Drizebrite rinse.  Works great with really no residue.

 

I do use lighter fluid or One Dip to soak the hairspring and jewels in prior to final install.

Edited by perpetual92
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I would like the forum's recommendation on  cleaning solutions to use with the L&R Master cleaning machines. I have seen Ofrei and Esslinger offering an ammoniated and non-ammoniated solution. What is the difference between these solutions? Which one will work better with the Master series cleaning machine?

 

Also, I have been designing circuit for my L&R Master involving an Arduino microprocessor and a couple Solid State Relays which will allow me to run the machine direction either forward, reverse or automatically alternate between the two directions. I just placed an order with an electronics supplier in the US for the relays. I have used Arduino prototype boards in the past and they are great. Any interest on the board members to see the end results? I will be happy to post progress pictures as I develop this. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi rod,

 

I use L & R Extra Fine Watch Cleaning Solution and L & R Ultrasonic Watch Rinsing Solution and have always had good results. Next, I will try Zenith Radiant Watch & Clock Cleaner and Zenith Drizebrite Rinsing Solution but I still have a lot of the first ones. Lots of people also have had good results with the L&Rs.

 

By the way, it would be great your suggestion to post the Arduino progress...and for those of us that are not fully familiar with it, a little introduction to the technology. :)

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bobm

 

Thank you for the recommendation. I will start with these solutions first. I have a few pocket watches in desperate need of a good cleaning.

 

I am on vacation in Puerto Rico at the moment, but when I go back I will be posting more about this idea. I have seen a few machines being sold on the 'bay that have been modified to alternate the direction of the motor. That's what gave me the idea for this project. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I used Naphtha for 6 months on all my parts including the harispring and never ran into any issues. (does a decent job stripping the garbage off)  Having said that, it is not intended for this purpose so I invested in an ultrasonic cleaner with the proper cleaners.  You CAN order the chemicals/cleaner online but it must ship ground:)  I went to http://www.esslinger.com/to purchase my supplies.  Hope this helps!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Dave, you can avoid all hassles altogether and not use alcohol, period. In my mind, at this stage where you are not investing on a cleaning machine, I would just use lighter fluid (ronsonol, naphta, it goes with different names depending on location). That won't hurt anything and will definitely clean acceptably and even completely depending on technique and "elbow grease".

 

On the other hand, an ultrasonic machine doesn't have to be too expensive and the fluids will ship ground...as Jeff suggested. Just don't put any flammable stuff in it. Most important, don't overthink it, just use the lighter fluid for now -- hand cleaning -- and explore the possibility of improving the process with better equipment and convenience later.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

 

PS. As an afterthought, the oils would be my main concern.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Bob

I should be able to get some naphtha locally. I've also found a Canadian supplier that will make life easier re oils, parts, etc; customs can be a smidge difficult at times.

This is a whole new world! It's nice to be a part of it - problems and all.

Thank you for your guidance.

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm glad you're sticking with it! I attempted a hairspring repair this evening and instead of repairing it, I pulled out my own hair and ruined yet another:/ Have to take the good with the bad, I'm still terrible at repairing hairsprings. (better to just replace it anyway)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It gets hairy, no pun intended;) I just love the rest of the job (yes, everything else) and am learning every single day! If you have broken movements to work on, its well worth the time and effort to disassemble and reassemble them as a learning tool. Heck, I actually fixed one by accident in my early days...it was actually a hairspring and was just sticking. (toothpick fixed it) Go figure:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've fixed pianos by dismantling them and reassembling again. No idea what I did. Probably something was loose or lodged somewhere and it just fell out without my noticing it. I once found a thumb tack in the only place it could possibly be to totally jam the action and it got there by accident.

I couldn't sleep last night so I dismantled a watch. I was too tired to reassemble it again...

What I think is really cool is that I actually know where all those little gizmos go now.

It's fascinating and there's a lot to learn.

  • Like 2
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.




  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Post some pictures , some good close ones of the parts you've described. 
    • Ive never used epilame H only information i have read and mentally stored about it mostly from Nicklesilver here and elsewhere ( the fork horns thing ), maybe the residue powder that is removed has some grinding effect ? So probably a good idea to limit its application areas to only the absolute necessary. Yes as far as i know epilame rubs off relatively easy, the technique of running the watch to make a groove through it first in the pallet stones where the lubrication is then placed. This i understand creates the barrier for the lube to sit up to. If i can find a good balance of pros and cons of its use then thats one process i can avoid by using a thixotropic lube on the stones. The epilame i would say allows for a more fluid lubrication to be used that would increase amplitude on low beat movements. The stearic acid powder is extremely cheap, the problem is the fuming process to coat parts, is not selective , the whole part has to treated in this method. If epilame residue can cause wear then thats not good, if I remember the conclusion was not proved entirely just a general assumption between watchmakers. The thread is out there somewhere, the same discussion is also old on a facebook group. Ive never used epilame H only information i have read and mentally stored about it mostly from Nicklesilver here and elsewhere ( the fork horns thing ), maybe the residue powder that is removed has some grinding effect ? So probably a good idea to limit its application areas to only the absolute necessary. Yes as far as i know epilame rubs off relatively easy, the technique of running the watch to make a groove through it first in the pallet stones where the lubrication is then placed. This i understand creates the barrier for the lube to sit up to. If i can find a good balance of pros and cons of its use then thats one process i can avoid by using a thixotropic lube on the stones. The epilame i would say allows for a more fluid lubrication to be used that would increase amplitude on low beat movements. The stearic acid powder is extremely cheap, the problem is the fuming process to coat parts, is not selective , the whole part has to treated in this method. If epilame residue can cause wear then thats not good, if I remember the conclusion was not proved entirely just a general assumption between watchmakers. The thread is out there somewhere, the same discussion is also old on a facebook group. If its a potential problem for amateurs to use then i would prefer not to take the risk .
    • Following on from my question about identifying screws in the AS2063 movement that basically fell out of the case in bits, I’m pleased to report that I’ve got it all back together, and the movement is running pretty well.    But… There’s something wrong with the keyless works and hand setting. It’s fine in winding and quickset date position - these work - but in hand setting position winding the crown turns the whole gear train.  I don’t really understand how it’s meant to work. It doesn’t have a traditional friction fit cannon pinion.  The second wheel is unusual with a pair of smaller pinions on it, which seem to interact with the barrel and the motion works.    Could this be the problem? I must admit I just cleaned it and popped it in place when reassembling the gear train. I’ve lubricated the pivots but didn’t do anything to the extra bits on the second wheel.    Does this make sense and is anyone able to figure out what I’m doing wrong? Thanks in advance, as always.    ETA - the parts list calls it the Great Wheel, not second wheel. 
    • You're thinking metal to jewel in general I guess. Maybe it would be a good idea to peg the pallet staff jewel hole on the main plate after the epilame treatment. I think that could work as it is my impression that the epilame doesn't sit very hard, but I could be wrong about that so feel free to educate me. I didn't remember that 9501 was thixotropic (thanks for the link). That would mean it's even runnier during impact (lower viscosity) so perhaps it's time I get some fresh grease as mine seems a bit too runny. What I have seen is a whitish surface after washing but it goes away if I scrub the surface with a brush in a degreaser (Horosolv). I don't think it embeds itself in the metal but sticks very hard to the metal. I don't worry too much about the cleaning solution. I just want perfectly clean parts and my solution can be replaced for little money (ELMA RED 1:9). Anyway, I quite often need "to strip back and rebuild" and scrubbing parts by hand isn't exactly the most stimulating part of a service. Just got confirmation that Moebius 9501 has a lower viscosity (68 cSt at 20° C) than 9504 (305 cSt at 20°). The viscosity of Molykote DX is 285-315 cSt at -25° to +125° C. I was surprised to see that the viscosity of Moebius 9010 (thin oil!) is higher (150 cSt at 20°) than my 9501 grease!
    • I’ve had a couple movements where it is clear the previous watchmaker was diligent with lubrication but the old epilam had turned to a fine white powder covering the pallet fork and keyless parts, which can’t be good for parts. I’m spare with epi since I don’t know how long it takes to degrade to that state…
×
×
  • Create New...