Disassembling a watch?

[Ray Dunakin]

Ken mentioned using a watch gear on his lumber stacker. I have a couple old watches I've been saving as a source for gears and such, but one thing I'm not too clear on is how to get it apart without wrecking the delicate parts. (I'm not talking about opening the case, I know how to do that.) I just need some advice on how to remove the gears and other tiny bits.

[eTraxx]

This may help ..

http://catpad.net/a4ria/Watch.png

[DaKra]

You need a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers.  Then wherever you see a screw, just unscrew it.   Its a lot easier than reassembling a watch.    I've taken apart a lot of watches and clocks, never did get one back together.

If you need something that looks like Victorian cast iron a watch part might not cut it.   In that case, I sell an assortment of laser cut ones like these.



Dave 


   

[lab-dad]

Dave those are bitchin!
How can I get a set?
-Marty

[jacq01]

    I follow Marty in his request.
    How can I get a set ?

    Jacq

[Chuck Doan]

I just use a tiny screwdriver.

[marc_reusser]

Dave those are bitchin!
How can I get a set?
-Marty

I already got a set 

They are quite cool....not only for use as gears and clutter, but I also plan to try using some of them as wheel centers for things like dollys and carts. If you made (or if the mfr made) a rim to add to both sides of them, you could also create some great looking wire and chain sheaves.

Marc

[DaKra]

Really didn't mean to hijack the thread, and hope this isn't too commercial a post, but in reply to the inquires, the gears/handwheels are available on my website, vectorcut.com here:   

http://www.vectorcut.com/accessories.htm

Marc, cool idea about the chain sheaves.  I'll probably draw up another set of cast iron scrap stuff, will include that with it. 

Dave   

[danpickard]

Dave,
Saw your new gear sets the other day and also intend on ordering some...once that Aussie dollar improves a bit again! Some very creative laser work on your behalf, so good stuff.  I particularly like the etched work you have used to get the relief into the gears.  

Cheers,
Dan

[Frederic Testard]

Your accessories page is beautiful, Dave. I've been spending a lot recently, but as soon as cash is flowing again, I'll have to pass an order too.

[eTraxx]

Ha. Same as Frederic. Payday I'm dropping an order.

[John McGuyer]

Chainsaw! That will get it apart.

John

[finescalerr]

McGuyer -- go stand in the corner!

Dave, you can post "commercial" info like that ANYTIME! Great stuff and you apparently have found an eager market for your work.

Russ

[lab-dad]

neener, neener, neener
I got mine ordered last night!
Also did you guys see the nuts, bolts, washers?
I got a set of the .5 & 1mm ones.
Looking forward to trying them out.

Dave any plans to do manhole covers in O scale?
Someday I want to do a city scene along a dock.....

-Marty

[DaKra]

Thanks guys, I found a niche here. 

Marty, thanks, parcel goes out tomorrow AM.   On the O scale manhole covers, I'll probably do them and a couple of other O scale items.

Back to the subject of opening old watches, I seem to recall Timex wind up watches being riveted and the only way to get the gears out is to pry the watch movement apart with a screwdriver.   Disposables, as watches go.   

Dave