Jump to content

rusted movement

dwhite

By dwhite
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

 Share

Recommended Posts

dwhite WRT Addict

dwhite

Posted
Posted

Another dumb question.  I have a pocket watch movement with considerable rust.  The balance is OK but there is a lot of rust on other parts.  Has anyone used a heated solution of oxalic acid to remove rust from watch parts?  It has been my go to for removing rust from tools for years.  It never seems to harm the underlying metal but then I've only used it on stuff like hammers and other big tools.  I also have a bottle to rust remover for watches I bought many years ago but I don't have a clue what is in it.  I surely don't want to use an aggressive acid.  Thanks in advance, Dan.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dwhite WRT Addict

dwhite

Posted
  • Author
Posted
11 hours ago, vinn3 said:

the only problem I have had, with pocket watches,  is rusty main springs or rusty stem collets.  vin

 

This one has rusted screws, some rust on plates, I'm sure the stem and sleeve although I can't see them yet and the scale on the regulator although from what I can see the rest of the balance cock looks OK.  From what I can see the hairspring looks OK.  If I can get the balance out and the fork out I'm thinking I would be OK with a little warmth as I've heard the roller jewel and pallet jewels are or used to be set with shellac.  Am I missing anything?  Since this thing is worthless except for the case and I can't get anything to run anyway I thought I might make it an experimental sacrifice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dwhite WRT Addict

dwhite

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks vinn3!  I figured I might have to do that.  I'm not above soaking the thing in kerosene if I can get the shellacked parts out.  It's an old farmers cure all for rusty parts that won't come apart.  I'm old and I live on a farm but the only thing I seem to be able to grow is something called musk thistle.  Some of you might know what that is.  My county weed board certainly does; we're on a first name basis.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • eccentric59
      Boley lathe motor silly question.

      By eccentric59 · Posted

      After a 3-week work fiasco that took up 137% of my time, I was finally able to get back to restoring a G. Boley 8mm lathe I picked up on eBay. I still need to do a bit of polishing on the tailstock but it works very nicely. Before and after pictures below. In any case, when I was reassembling the motor I wasn't quite sure which side the pully attached to, or if it matters. My question is ... does it matter? The listing photo below shows it the reverse of how I have it now, but it seemed that the cord and the reversing lever(s) should be on the right away from the belt.   
    • Zendoc
      Deciphering mainspring specifications…

      By Zendoc · Posted

      Thanks Richard.  That’s clear.   So - another question - how much latitude is there in barrel and spring sizing? Say I have have measured the ID of my barrel to be 9mm and (all other mainspring specs being equal), the closest match I can find for a replacement mainspring is listed with an 8.5mm barrel size, is it acceptable to fit the smaller spring in to the slightly larger barrel without compromising anything functionally?  I’m in this situation now with an AS 1686 which has a 9mm barrel, but the closest replacement I can find has an 8.5mm diameter listed in its specs.  I can find an alternative 9mm spring, but would have to accept a different thickness.  I’m unsure how much wriggle room is acceptable, or whether in mainspring sizing, there’s a priority - ie thickness over barrel size etc. Thanks again for any info.  Cheers, John  
    • tomh207
      Without Our Forum

      By tomh207 · Posted

      We already have a Facebook group run by Mark , so this is a bit moot. Search for “Watch repair lessons” group.   Tom
    • Roll1ex
      Rolex 3130/3135 Automatic winding issue

      By Roll1ex · Posted

      @dibs1 Hopefully you see this and post an update. @Knebo Would you happen to know what is the end-shake tolerance for a cal 15xx rotor or is there such a metric? Also, is there a specified height of the rotor?   I got the watch serviced which addressed the rotor grinding against the base plate and case back (i have checked by moving the watch in a circular motion to spin the rotor and have tested it dial up and down) however whenever the watch is shaken lightly the rotor touches the caseback and makes a ding. What is unusual is that is only happens when the rotor is resting at the 9'o clock position. The axle was replaced and reading around it seems that  spring clip, jewel and axel are the three parts that individually or together are causing this issue.
    • RichardHarris123
      Deciphering mainspring specifications…

      By RichardHarris123 · Posted

      Yes, barrel size.  A 11mm spring will push out into a 11mm barrel, no need to go 0.5mm smaller. 
×
×
  • Create New...