Question for those who cast watch parts

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wiset1

wiset1

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Okay, so I'm getting ready to cast my first watch part pen after having collected enough part and I'm left wondering..."How in the heck do people get these parts to bend to the correct curve"? I have a couple wooden rods the size of my tubes, but these parts are extremely difficult to wrap around...even the larger faces. Please let me in on the secret.

Not looking to make these to sell so trade secrets will be safe:biggrin:

Thanks
 
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I would use a slightly smaller diameter rod to bend the parts to conform to the shape of the tube. You might have to play with that size until you get it right.
Harder metals and alloys tend to have memory and want to go back to flat.
 
I have never done this, so take that into account. But I have mulled it over in my mind. Drill a hole in some hard scrap (think IPE) Slice the scrap down the middle so you are left with a semi-circle of a hole. Take the corresponding transfer punch and use it to lightly tap the parts until they are concave.

Not sure if that makes sense. And because I have never actually done this, might not work.
 
Take a piece of hardwood, drill it the size of the tube then slice it in half lengthwise. This gives you two molds. Lay the gear, in the mold and then a transfer punch as close to the size of the tube place the second mold over the punch and place this in a vise, leave for a few minutes. This will curve most of the watch parts.
 
Hans great minds think alike:biggrin: I have done it and it works.
hewunch said:
I have never done this, so take that into account. But I have mulled it over in my mind. Drill a hole in some hard scrap (think IPE) Slice the scrap down the middle so you are left with a semi-circle of a hole. Take the corresponding transfer punch and use it to lightly tap the parts until they are concave.

Not sure if that makes sense. And because I have never actually done this, might not work.
Click to expand...
 
OKLAHOMAN said:
Take a piece of hardwood, drill it the size of the tube then slice it in half lengthwise. This gives you two molds. Lay the gear, in the mold and then a transfer punch as close to the size of the tube place the second mold over the punch and place this in a vise, leave for a few minutes. This will curve most of the watch parts.
Click to expand...

i do this but use a piece of corian for the "mold"
 
Yeah, I would think corian, UHMW, Aluminum all would work well. Good to know my thought would work. Now, if I can just find the time to do it.
 
Great thread. I have an old Keneth Cole watch I have been trying to take a apart t do this.......How did you get the watch apart? I am close to getting a hammer.
 
GoodTurns said:
Chris Burgess said:
Great thread. I have an old Keneth Cole watch I have been trying to take a apart t do this.......How did you get the watch apart? I am close to getting a hammer.
Click to expand...

patience and tiny screwdrivers and pliers....
Click to expand...

And some of the backs unscrew instead of prying off.
And even battery powered watches will have gears inside.
Typically a lot smaller gears too. Less quantity of course.
 
OKLAHOMAN said:
Take a piece of hardwood, drill it the size of the tube then slice it in half lengthwise. This gives you two molds. Lay the gear, in the mold and then a transfer punch as close to the size of the tube place the second mold over the punch and place this in a vise, leave for a few minutes. This will curve most of the watch parts.
Click to expand...

That's the way I do many of teh parts. Some of the gears, however, are easily bent with just a couple of needle nose pliers.
 
great minds

OKLAHOMAN said:
Hans great minds think alike:biggrin: I have done it and it works.
hewunch said:
I have never done this, so take that into account. But I have mulled it over in my mind. Drill a hole in some hard scrap (think IPE) Slice the scrap down the middle so you are left with a semi-circle of a hole. Take the corresponding transfer punch and use it to lightly tap the parts until they are concave.

Not sure if that makes sense. And because I have never actually done this, might not work.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

My Mother Told me that quote and gave me the whole thing" Great minds often run together, But more often two fools thing alike
 
I just want to thank everyone for the feedback, I'll see what I can do this weekend to make the pc I need to bend the parts. I only plan on making one or two of these to say that I tried it so lets see what comes of it.

Again, thank you
 
OK, an even more basic question. PAINT!! With CA reaction to normal epoxy even after baking, my CA wrinkles. What are ya'll using? Suggestions or recomendations please.
 
tim self said:
OK, an even more basic question. PAINT!! With CA reaction to normal epoxy even after baking, my CA wrinkles. What are ya'll using? Suggestions or recomendations please.
Click to expand...

I have been using rustoleum Oil Rubber Bronze spray paint. Cast in PR it does wrinkle, but mine look like crushed velvet under the parts.... would take a pic, but can't get it to show up clearly!
 
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