Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

I realize not everybody has a 3d Printer, but this gentleman design more a less an open source watch cleaner and I actually bought his plans about a week ago at $99 and I'm going to start the build of this machine.  The documentation is excellent and with the purchase of the manual you get the license to build it along with the .stl files needed to print the main parts and a BOM for the hardware etc with the link to where it can be purchased.  The link to his site is https://www.diywatchcleaner.com/  There are a few videos of folks that have built the machine and reviewed it as well.  I know that there are over 100 of these self built systems in use now.  Worth a look.  Also you can have the 3d printed parts printed for you, tons of people that provide this service.  I'd be curious what everybody thinks and I will provide updates here with my progress on this watch cleaner build if interested.

Forgot to mention that if you already have the baskets from a non-working watch cleaner I believe those baskets will work on this machine.

Edited by gescott
  • Like 2
Posted (edited)
3 hours ago, gescott said:

I realize not everybody has a 3d Printer, but this gentleman design more a less an open source watch cleaner and I actually bought his plans about a week ago at $99 and I'm going to start the build of this machine.  The documentation is excellent and with the purchase of the manual you get the license to build it along with the .stl files needed to print the main parts and a BOM for the hardware etc with the link to where it can be purchased.  The link to his site is https://www.diywatchcleaner.com/  There are a few videos of folks that have built the machine and reviewed it as well.  I know that there are over 100 of these self built systems in use now.  Worth a look.  Also you can have the 3d printed parts printed for you, tons of people that provide this service.  I'd be curious what everybody thinks and I will provide updates here with my progress on this watch cleaner build if interested.

Forgot to mention that if you already have the baskets from a non-working watch cleaner I believe those baskets will work on this machine.

I finished my cleaner a month ago. There is plenty of DIY and purchasing the hardware etc. but I like to do that stuff anyway. I had to learn 3D printing and it took me a while to print out everything. It is a very nice machine and I have run about 4 movements in it. You can use the inexpensive baskets from China or the Elma baskets. Please excuse my messy garage...Let me know if you have any question on the build. They have a discord server available to ask questions too.

Cleaner.jpg

Edited by JackH
  • Like 1
Posted

Jack great job on your build of the cleaner btw.  I hope to have mine up and running soon.  I have been reading over their Discord server site and it appears to be a friendly site and lots of information.

  • Like 1
Posted

Thanks! I had to get the printer calibrated to print the parts correctly. I used PETG filament. Nice thing about the 3D printer is that there are many watch repair tools and accessories you can make with it. 

  • Like 1

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

    • Thanks for this post MikePilk, I just came across a similar problem with an Omega 1022.  The problem I had was the seconds pinion spring was bent out of shape and did not even engage with the wheel properly, so the seconds hand was not moving at all. (no power loss though :) I removed the automatic module so I could access the spring and work on it. Once I bent it back close to the right shape, I experienced the same problem you reported about power loss.  Many tweaks later, and the seconds hand is moving properly again, with amplitude back to good numbers again. Cheers
    • After cleaning up the pivots, I made bushes on the lathe. At this point I've pressed in 6 bushes (3 sets) and the wheels turn smooth. What I can also tell you, is that I'm not looking forward to final assembly. Getting the pivots aligned seems to get exponentially more difficult with each wheel that is added.
    • Islands are interesting places to live depending upon their size and other factors. This is a bigger island and it has a bridge to get there at least on one end. It's also big enough that you don't have to go someplace else to get things typically. It can be a problem if you get a job in Seattle though. Yes I've known of people who commuted from the island to Seattle for a job and I don't quite remember how many hours it took but it took a long time. So basically islands are nice if you don't have to leave very often.
    • Thanks @JohnR725! Everything you say makes a lot of sense and is encouraging to read.
    • isn't it nice to have a decent case open or when the case doesn't want to be opened? In the case of a Rolex watch that supposed to pass specific water resistant testing you probably do need to tighten the back down. But they shouldn't be tightened so much that they risk stripping the threads out. Then the other problem that comes up is the gaskets can start to disintegrate and then getting the back off can be quite a challenge unless you have a really good tool and perhaps some penetrating oil to loosen things up. Yes really nice case marking. When I was in school we were taught to mark the cases and  the American watch and clockmakers Institute even had a? So if you joined at one time they would give you an identification number. They were explaining or giving an example of if the watches ever found in you have a unique number they can perhaps figure out the history of the watch or identify the body it's attached to for instance not that that probably comes up that often. So you got a unique number and even made a special metal stamp that you can purchase. It wasn't a super big aggressive stamp but still it left a mark in the back of the case. Then I heard from people at work on Rolex watches they were using a felt pen indelible but later on they decided that was bad because apparently the ink could release  chemicals although it seems like once it's dry that shouldn't be an issue. Then of course today was nice is you can keep computer records sealed have to mark anything at all I personally find it's best to leave no reference behind that you were even there. Especially when you have a beautiful watch that has no markings at all and now it has your scribbling all over it not good typically if there is a typical and watch repair?  a lot of minor repairs you don't need to do a complete servicing. But beyond a certain point you're going to have to take apart a lot of stuff you're going to disrupt the lubrication even if it looks perfect right now and yes you might as well just go ahead the service the whole thing. also in a watch like this where a lot of things seem to be going on the complete service would be better then you'll know exactly where you stand versus dealing with unknown mysteries for prior repair.
×
×
  • Create New...