GENERAL INFORMATION (TOOLS)
There is a countersink tool that you will inevitably need. Actually a set of them
will probably be needed . PICTURE These are available from various tool manufacturers ;
however it will probably be necessary to make your own to custom fit to the bushing sizes.
Many times it will be necessary to cut the protruding edge of a bushing flush with the
plate surface to clear levers or gears that ride close to the plate. I have made mine
out of drill rod. Harden them by dipping them in water immediately after heating them
to a cherry red . They will cut brass or bronze quite well however cutting steel will
dull them very quickly.
Keep on hand a couple of blocks of aluminum and brass about ¾ in. square
and 21/2 in. long. Three sets of numbered drill bits 60 through 80 and 1 through 60 and
lettered drill bits will be absolutely necessary. Use the blocks to provide custom drilled
holes when there is a need for a specific size and depth. Yes the aluminum and brass
is soft but that is precisely what is needed most of the time. The aluminum or brass will
hold the shaft or pivot while the collar or gear is driven on without damaging it. It is
often necessary to have a hole precisely fit to a shaft to install or remove collars or
gears and the only way to do this is to drill the holes to fit the shaft exactly.
A keyboard ; a board with holes drilled for each size of key will be convenient
to carry from clock to clock so that the necessary key will be available with a minimum
of running around the shop.
In my opinion , a watchmakers lathe is the best type or lathe to use . If possible
have on hand collets 1 through 80. A d.c. motor powered by a battery charger with a
resistive foot pedal on the a.c. line offers a good measure of safety because the motor
uses low voltage. This system also has , in most cases , higher torque.
A tool for cutting down lantern pinions to the proper length can be made by
cutting a piece of round stock of brass or steel and drilling a hole through the middle
as if you are performing a repivot job. Drill the hole all the way through up to twice
the diameter of the pinions that are being replaced. PICTURE . Supply stock to fit
through the hole with a clamp on one side. Place the old pinion in the end; bring the
stock up to the old pinion and push it up until it is even with the end of the drilled
stock; set the clamp on the end ; now there is a reference point and the new pinions
can be cut. Also the pinions can be held and ground on the wheel.