Home made watch cleaner L&R clone

[khunter]

Here's a few pictures of my home made watch cleaning machine. It uses a bathroom vent fan motor, ceiling fan speed control, and a digital timer. I've since added a 12v cooling fan above the motor as running an induction motor at lower speeds (voltage) increases the heat produced by the coil. I turned a 10mm shaft extension to mount the L&R cleaning basket, and the "lid" has a groove that has high temp RTV silicone in it to create the seal. The square post indexes the basket and lid to each jar, and I'm using old school (read: DANGEROUS!) solutions, but they are quite effective. I raise the head after each cycle and spin off the extra solution before going to the next one. 

[measuretwice]

A good manifestation of the DIY spirit - way to go.    It was one big advantage over my L&R cleaner, the bloody jars have screw on lids!

[khunter]

9 minutes ago, measuretwice said:

A good manifestation of the DIY spirit - way to go.    It was one big advantage over my L&R cleaner, the bloody jars have screw on lids!

Exactly! I don't like the idea of flammable fumes roaming around my house unattended lol. And since these jars are square-ish they can't turn out of position when screwing and unscrewing the lids. Thanks for the compliment! 

[ro63rto]

khunter I run thee......

McGuyver

Great work there [emoji106]

[oli]

Impressive!

[khunter]

Thanks oli, I'm always more apt to make my own tools rather than buy them, unless it's beyond my capability. Besides, I'm cheap lol, whole setup barely cost $40 not counting the jars that I already had.

[ro63rto]

I typed "dub" but automatic correct stepped in and replaced it with "run" [emoji35]

[frenchie]

I find this quite amazing!!! Very clever too! You win the internet for today!

[khunter]

6 minutes ago, frenchie said:

I find this quite amazing!!! Very clever too! You win the internet for today!

Lol thanks....nothing super difficult, woodworking is a big hobby of mine as well....

[rodabod]

That is bloody brilliant!

[dibs]

Hi Khunter, 

I was just wondering if you had any tips for attaching the basket arm to the motor im a little stuck there thank you again 

[bklake]

Does anyone know the RPMs of a real machine?  Geared DC motors are available for cheap.  I've seen them with a power supply in the $20 range, just need to know what RPM range.

[rdrun51660]

I am an RN, but have been a carpenter most of my life. I am new to watchmaking and looking for a cleaner, damn tools are expensive, LOL!  This is very cool, way to get it done!!!

[spectre6000]

A few stepper motors and a microcontroller, and you can really get that thing to chooch something serious... The baskets seem like the most difficult/expensive part to get a hold of... My mind grapes are squeezing... Any provision for heat or ultrasonic capability?

[WatchingOracle]

Totally awesome! So looks like this probably is on the drawing board for me now after seeing Kalle's video on Ultrasonic cleaners being bad for watch mechanisms.  I'm confused how the head of the shaft mounts to the jars. Was this purpose built or from an old watch cleaning machine/parts @khunter