How do I get this barrel arbor out of this old key wind pocket watch

[mikepilk]

I'm having a go at my first keywind (and cylinder escapement) pocket watch.

All going well (apart from not being able to get the cannon pinion off so far),

but I can't figure out how to get the barrel arbor out, any ideas ?

[Geo]

1) Carefully remove the spring from the barrel.

2) Grip the spring arbour with a large pin vice or pair of pliers.

3) Using the winding key unscrew the arbour being very careful not to damage the hook.

Here's a photo of all the parts disassembled.

 

 

[oldhippy]

The arbor unscrews but  I wouldn't bother unless you have to as it can be a pain in the backside and you might damage the arbor. It will unscrew the opposite way to winding up the mainspring.

[Geo]

It's a breeze if you use a pin vice, but you could easily cause damage using pliers.

[oldhippy]

19 minutes ago, Geo said:

It's a breeze if you use a pin vice, but you could easily cause damage using pliers.

The ones I've had have been a right pain.

[mikepilk]

1 hour ago, Geo said:

1) Carefully remove the spring from the barrel.

2) Grip the spring arbour with a large pin vice or pair of pliers.

3) Using the winding key unscrew the arbour being very careful not to damage the hook.

Here's a photo of all the parts disassembled.

 

 

Thanks Geo - great explanation with pics !

I just wanted to take the spring out to check it.  I won't risk unscrewing the arbor.

Looks like it might be fiddly to put the spring back over the arbor 

 

[vinn3]

in lew of a pin vice,  you can use a small  jacobs  chuck.  vinn

[mikepilk]

The spring needs replacing. The original has a square hole in the end. It had been turning in the barrel as the little spigot (?) the hole sits over is worn down. There's not much left to file to shape. What can be done? 

Also the only spring I can find that's anywhere close has a standard end. Should I try to cut a square hole in it or use it as is? I'm not worried about originality with the watch

Edited September 21, 2016 by mikepilk