Hairspring material…

[tmac1956]

All:

If one wanted to experiment with winding one’s own hairsprings, what would be a source for the flat steel wire? While we’re at it, how about mainspring wire as well?

Thanks!
Tom

[arutha]

Hi Tom,
the tool used for winding the three flat springs into (they were done three at a time to produce the equal coil spacing) is difficult to find, I have yet to see one on e-bay. I would imagine you would just wind steel rod in the correct diameter through some sort of press. I think I am correct in thinking that the springs are blued in the tool. It can be done but would take a fair bit of trial and error to get the correct thickness/dimensions etc as the old blued hairsprings were made from a different steel than that which we have today. I am sure I have seen in one of my books recently how to make the tool. I will have a look through and see if I can find it.
Paul. I typed all that one fingered while holding the baby

[tmac1956]

Arutha:

Thanks!

Tom

[gerene]

If I remember correctly it is described in the “Chicago School of Watchmaking”. I am not at home, so I cannot verify, but I am quite certain I read it there.
Arutha is right about it being not trivial at all.

Regards,

Jan

[tmac1956]

gerene:

I have that at home so I’ll go back and look. However, what I’m after is a source for the wire – just to experiment with.

Thanks!
Tom

[arutha]

Could be worth contacting these guys and asking if they have some offcuts you could play with?
http://mechanicaltimeswitches.ifginstrumentsinc.com/item/all-categories/hairspring-fabrication/item-1003
Paul.

[tmac1956]

Hey – great idea. It never hurts to ask.
Thanks,
Tom

[gerene]

Just for your information, there is also a thread about the same subject going on at NAWCC http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?103922-Anybody-have-the-Treatise-on-Modern-Horology-Glasgow. Maybe it has some usefull information for you.

Jan

[Author]

Posts