Shellac solvent glue

[szbalogh]

Recently, using dissolved shellac got some attention as i mentioned that it can be used conveniently to secure an impulse jewel. An old watchmaker mentioned this to me in a Facebook chat. 

I tried dichloromethane first do dissolve shellac, but the solvent phase turnedonly to a pale yellow color. The flakes got soft and puffed up. 

Then tried another paint solvent which is 80% xylene and 20% iso-butyl alcohol stated on the label. A small amount can dissolve much shellac slowly, but quickly with some heating. 

Yesterday i tried this solvent on a Stowa pocket watch movement impulse jewel. It had a jewel replaced with brass which was wobbling. So i just pushed it out with a tweezer, put the ruby jewel in. The roller table was placed in a piece of my kids putty and simply added a drop of the shellac solvent. It was a bit thin, so after drying repeated the process two times. I suggest making an oil consistency solution which can be simply applied with an oiler. But one can make it even to a honey-like consistency. Put the table next to the stowe for an hour to dry faster but had time to try the result only the next morning. The watch is ticking happyly with the new jewel

Great advantage of this method that one has time to align the jewel length and upright when the glue is half dry. Will make closer pics today. 

[clockboy]

Shellac is normally removed/applied using controlled heat.

[szbalogh]

11 minutes ago, clockboy said:

Shellac is normally removed/applied using controlled heat.

Yes. It is much faster with heat. Good for an experienced watchmaker if the customer is in the shop waiting for the repair. But for me as a hobbyst... i can wait a few hours to let it dry  

[vinn3]

can't  wait to do it right?  some watch mechanics use epoxy to get done in a hurry.  vinn

[bobm12]

 I personally like the chemistry way of SZ! Cheaper, more "work time" convenient and there is no need to spend money and/or time in equipment. It is still a good thing to know the traditional way just for the sake of it and the speed. Other than that, if I had a choice, I'd go with the chemistry method!

Cheers,

Bob

[szbalogh]

Some close-ups.

Next to the glued ruby is the old "jewel"

I had enough time to align it upright.

And the result

Yes, there is something wrong with the second wheel.