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Elma Watch Cleaning Machine

SSTEEL
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LittleWatchShop
LittleWatchShop

I didn't get it. I am on a Levin lathe binge. Turning my small fortune into a smaller one

SSTEEL
SSTEEL

Its ok now, I have source one, should anyone else need a copy drop me a pm.

SSTEEL
SSTEEL

Had a few messages about the wiring diagram, so uploaded it for all to see..   super elite wiring diagram by Micky.!, on Flickr

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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Funny I look most days to see what is about in watch tools and I know how cleaning machines can be pricey. A nice good cleaning machine is so much better then cleaning by hand which is something many on here tend to do. I have thought about buy one just to keep as a sort of memento.

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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23 minutes ago, jdm said:

Why? What it does that can't be done by hand or ultrasonic ?

If you have never used a cleaning machine you wouldn't know the difference. With a good cleaner and rinse the difference from cleaning by hand is unbelievable.  

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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21 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

If you have never used a cleaning machine you wouldn't know the difference. With a good cleaner and rinse the difference from cleaning by hand is unbelievable.  

What if one uses the same solutions and give the jar a good shacking? Isn't just warming up and shaking that an non-ultrasonic machine do? 

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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1 hour ago, jdm said:

What if one uses the same solutions and give the jar a good shacking? Isn't just warming up and shaking that an non-ultrasonic machine do? 

A cleaning machine also has a built in dryer it dries and doesn't leave any marks. Shaking parts in a jar you can do irreplaceable damage, not recommended.  

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maclerche WRT Addict

maclerche

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22 hours ago, jdm said:

Why? What it does that can't be done by hand or ultrasonic ?

A machine can keep your brain cells intact. Those who sits and cleans in the hand exposing themselves to a work environment like 50 years ago ... I could never dream of sitting and cleaning with toxic substances and solvents in front of my face ...

Why do the women sometimes are hard to be clever on? Think of all the times they have cleaned nails in acetone :-)

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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A machine can keep your brain cells intact. Those who sits and cleans in the hand exposing themselves to a work environment like 50 years ago ... I could never dream of sitting and cleaning with toxic substances and solvents in front of my face ...

Why do the women sometimes are hard to be clever on? Think of all the times they have cleaned nails in acetone :-)

Sexism aside... I use isopropyl alchol in an ultrasonic cleaner far away from my bench. I don't think I'm placing my health at risk.

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maclerche WRT Addict

maclerche

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2 minutes ago, jdm said:

Sexism aside... I use isopropyl alchol in an ultrasonic cleaner far away from my bench. I don't think I'm placing my health at risk.

Great…. You mentioned just hand cleaning too ..... it is not healthy in the long run for those who choose this option!

I hope you saw my smile at the comment about nails cleaning

 

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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2 minutes ago, maclerche said:

Great…. You mentioned just hand cleaning too ..... it is not healthy in the long run for those who choose this option!

I simply meant "not using a specialized machine". I copied the term from previous postings. I also refrain from staying close to strong chemicals, it's common sense really.

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maclerche WRT Addict

maclerche

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On 5. november 2014 at 7:25 AM, SSTEEL said:

Me too, the end is in sight :)

 

Most of the screws and bolts etc need to be replaced, with the exception of the specialist screws/bolts, hopefully I can find these at my local hardware store. As you can see, many of rusted up, or chewed up.

 

15722540265_8326cc2345.jpgUntitled by Micky.!, on Flickr

Is the screws on the machine in inches or metric?

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Tiktok WRT Addict

Tiktok

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I have 2 of these type of cleaning machines in the loft from when I first started out at home and couldn't afford an automatic type machine, might have to dig them out and put them on the tinterweb, they are brilliant for someone just starting out. I used to set an egg timer so I remembered to move it round to the next jar and then put it on a socket timer when over the heater drying off.

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maclerche WRT Addict

maclerche

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On 22. april 2016 at 0:17 PM, oldhippy said:

Not a bad price its old but looks in good condition and not a bad price with a buy it now tag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-WATCH-MAKEER-JEWELRY-CLEANING-MACHINE-/162046336739

The price of the machine is now set down. I suppose that it is 110V, otherwise I could be tempted. There must be someone in the US who can use this fine machine?

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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This is the one I had and they are absolutely wonderful. You will have to get the jars but they are available. Its an L & R Vari-Matic. Its a good price.

  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/L-R-Vari-Matic-III-watch-cleaning-machine-/361544953482?hash=item542dc22e8a:g:aOQAAOSwn1RXIqEe

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Tiktok

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These are cracking machines, one thing to be aware of is to make sure the jars are kept topped up with fluid, if you run them with not enough fluid in the jars it can burn the ultrasonic out.

there is a company in the uk that will do a full rewire, respray and replace the ultrasonics for a more powerful version for £1600. Sounds expensive but if you are after a cleaning machine that is upto standard for the brand accreditations then these are the cheapest way of getting a cleaning machine with ultrasonic that's  upto the standard the brands require.

 

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Mark Distinguished Member

Mark

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These are cracking machines, one thing to be aware of is to make sure the jars are kept topped up with fluid, if you run them with not enough fluid in the jars it can burn the ultrasonic out.

there is a company in the uk that will do a full rewire, respray and replace the ultrasonics for a more powerful version for £1600. Sounds expensive but if you are after a cleaning machine that is upto standard for the brand accreditations then these are the cheapest way of getting a cleaning machine with ultrasonic that's  upto the standard the brands require.

 

That one doesn't have the transducer - but very true what you said.

I had two varimatics with the ultrasonic units but I prefer my elma super elite - it's manual but never have a problem with it, plus I get to keep the watch in the jars for much longer should I want to.

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      I didn't think pulling to set position would work harden the spring, in that position it is stressed where the arm starts. By work hardening i meant rapid polishing at that point, a bit like polishing a pivot work hardens as it compresses the steel. I doubt polishing by hand would achieve much in that respect though. Its finished, arm polished up mostly at the join to the bridge's main body. I'm ok with it, the screw holes aren't great as i had to open them up by redrilling and positioning it was difficult, I'm not much use with a loupe, opening up with a file might be a better option for me or i could just use the correct drill size 😅. And the detent is way too deep, i had to guess that with the stem release out of position and sat on top, but i only took one measure and went for it, no slowly slowly catch your monkey 😅. First go I'm happy , well sort of, it works and thats a big thing for me, next one will have a bit more finesse.  Anyone thats interested, after filing, i used a 2000 grade home made diamond  micro file and then 20 micron film, the film is much better than wet and dry, more stable to use and doesn't shed cheap grade grit everywhere , then auto polish on a sponge pad.
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      I'm assuming that every time you set the watch you are work hardening the detent spring, maximum hardening is  where it meets the plate due to maximum deflection.   That's why it snaps there.  The Young's modulus may be the same but after it's reached its maximum yeid strength it breaks.  My mechanic engineering is very rusty, correct me if I'm wrong. 
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      Ah ok yes that makes sense to polish it where the arm starts to form from the body of the bridge, i thought you meant the underneath of all the arm.
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