Reply To: steam cleaning parts

[Bob Tascione]

Hi Bill,
Not sure about the steam cleaner. May work ok but still feel that removing the cap jewels to allow dirt and oil to flow out would be a good idea. Definitely worth a try though! Let us know how it works out.
As for the oiling I should probably clear something up about the process that I recommend in the videos. I have always been aware of how easy it is for those just starting out in watch and clock repair to feel overwhelmed. I believe we lose a great number new prospective watch and clock smiths to information overload and/or applied repair technique failure due to lack of dexterity. Because of that I try to show simpler repair techniques that while may not always be the best way to do something are still acceptable stepping stones that will keep people from becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. Until one gets a feel for applying the proper amount of oil and not over oiling I suggest oiling the escape wheel teeth rather than a pallet stone if it’s easier. You may have also noticed that throughout the courses I push for all to try and figure out better ways that may work for them as well as reading books and watching other videos etc. to learn additional and possibly better techniques. This innovative thought and self discovery process in my opinion raises the retention level far beyond what I could hope to accomplish through piling all the different techniques that are out there into one course and it’s my belief that this would just cause many to feel that there’s too much to learn to make it worth while. My main goal with these courses is to encourage people to have fun, enjoy and stick with it.

That being said I will admit here that I always oil the impulse face of the exit stone rather than the escape teeth as I feel this is a better procedure once you feel you can control the oil flow.

Hope this helps Bill!
Bob