Alex, Thank you for this video series. I am in the aftermath of a great reset in my life and I am throwing everything at becoming a watchmaker. Your videos combine my love of watchmaking and mechanics with another love of mine: doing things the right way as inexpensively as possible. You are the Chrisfix of the watch world showing us starting out where to save and exactly what we need to do the job. I love it. I have a considerable chunk of cash to throw at Watchmaking and a small machine shop (for making cases and dials 😀) but every dollar I save lets me get a better cutter or more stock or more supplies, or old watches and clocks to fix! So thank you!
I strongly agree with everyone else. These videos are extremely helpful and I cannot thank you enough. I've done alot of research so far, and I mean alot, but your channel is one of the best sources I have found.
Glad it was helpful. This video was really intended for the watchmaker just starting out. I imagine there are a lot of people holding out because they think they have to have a machine.
Hi Dennis, Just remember that this is just a starting point for people who are new to the hobby. We will get into more detailed cleaning videos using ultrasonic cleaners but this was really to give people ideas on getting started. Thanks for watching 😀
Thanks Alex! I have learnt a lot from your video series and really appreciate your effort in making these instructional videos. This payment is just a small gesture of my appreciation. Keep up the good work and I will suppprt your channel whenever I can!
Your tutorials are the best on UA-cam. I love your no nonsense approach and your empathy for people like me that are starting out in this hobby and dont have too much money to spend. Liked and subscribed Johnny
Thank you for recognizing that. In these beginning videos, they are designed for people who are just starting out. I’ve done all the videos on using ultrasonic machines and I’m even working on one on how to upgrade ultrasonics for even better cleaning. The point of this video is to show you, that machines are not required, but I really more of a convenience than anything else
It’s an option, especially if you are new to the game and don’t want to hand clean every single part and screw. Long term you may want to explore soMe kind of machine but this will definitely get the job done. Hey man, I appreciate you watching and hope you follow along.
Very glad to have found your channel. Just getting into this hobby, and these instructional videos are invaluable. I have an unused drill press from the 1960s that I'm sure could be a willing participant in watch cleaning!
Thank you, my friend. This video is truly meant for the people just starting out or trying to keep cost to a minimum. And most people if you stick with this crazy hobby end up moving into an ultrasonic machine and some even go into rotary machines just for convenience purposes. Regardless of that even when using those machines, you still do pre cleaning work by hand.
Thanks for the very informative and excellent video. Recently discovered your channel and you are such an excellent teacher and resource and appreciated by many of us pursuing this hobby. Your home made cleaning system is brilliant. Regards, Jeffrey.
Exactly what I've been looking for. I'm new to the hobby and I knew there must be a way to do this by hand without all the expensive machinery. Thank you for the great video
It's good to have you with us Aaron. This video was really meant as a starting point. Obviously it's more labor and time intensive but you're right the whole point is is that you don't need thousands of dollars of equipment. all you need is a little bit of ingenuity.
Hey man, This is meant for the budget minded guys out there. Butttt, the basket could also be used in a jar sitting in a Ultrasonic. When switching from one jar to another, it would enable you to spin off the excess fluid before going into the next jar, extending the life of your rinse solutions. 😀
I'm not knocking it in any way, it was just very unexpected. Especially when you were going over the basket I'm watching thinking what is he gonna do here??... It's a hell of a solution to a common problem. Those old L&R machines are expensive.
Great video! Thanks! I was looking for such educational material! I have a pump dispenser like the plastic one you have, and I also use mine for IPA, but I also used them in the past for flux remover solvents, like perchloroethylene or trichloralethylene.
This is OK when you’re first starting out but most people get tired of hand cleaning parts and want something a little more efficient. It really just depends on how many watches you work on during a month.
Wow. This is the video I've been searching for since 2020. Thanks for all the awesome tips and for giving me hope that I can have good results in this cool hobby without spending thousands of dollars to buy a professional cleaning machine. Cheers from Canada! **SUBSCRIBED**
Well, don welcome. That video is still relevant in a lot of ways but I’m working on a new video right now on how to get the most out of an ultrasonic machine and I’m testing different cleaning products to see how they stack up against each other. Should be interesting.
What can I say. That have not been expressed already. You are very good. And any one.( And I think there is a lot )people like to do watch repair as a hobby. And for that reason I say.thank you And we ALL NEED YOU!!!!
Thanks! Great videos! I built a spinner inspired by this video. I soldered a brass rod directly to the brass small parts basket. I’m working on my first watch.
Thanks for these wonderful tips. I have binged watched the series. You have given me some great new insights into amateur watch repair esp. when it comes to saving money (hexane, menda bottles, etc.). I have though about the drill-basket technique before but never tried it. Now I use paint brushes, pith wood, lighter fluid, and 99% alcohol, and air dry. It seems to work, but the food dehydrator or hair dryer move might be next. I have already dressed my tweezers and screw drivers per your instructions--huge difference. Well done and thanks, again.
Been collecting since 1980's, went to watch school in 2011. Sold two watch cleaning machines. Prefer hand cleaning. Your method surprised me in a good way. A+++++ on the novel approach especially with regard to making a spinning backet. Many thanks.
Hello Tom, The purpose of this video is to show someone new that you can literally clean parts by hand and with a little it if ingenuity you can make a some pretty sweet homemade alternatives to expensive machines. Some of the ones my viewers have made are amazing.
Alex: I put together the basket / jar method and am really happy with how it worked. I got an 1/8" steel rod and some JBWeld from Home Depot and modified the basket like you suggested and it worked great. Thanks for the information and the excellent explanations.
I'm watching a bunch of videos to get a list together. I don't have a lot of money but I want to get into this hobby thanks to you and a couple other watchmakers on UA-cam. I had this drill idea when trying to figure out how I'd clean movements without an expensive machine, and I'm stoked to see it was recommended. Looking like it'll take several months to slowly put together a set of equipment I'll be comfortable starting with, but I'm excited to get the ball rolling. I'll chuck 50 bucks or so at it a month and by next year I'll have everything I need :)
Your videos are great. No Nonsense straight talk. Practical information. It is all so helpful, especially when you share ways for someone starting out to save money on tools and necessities. I really look forward to the Bonus tips at the end of your videos. Thank you
Duuude im just becoming more and more into watch servicing. And seeing the grit in just making things work alternatively and someone like me being able to do as well is really cool. I dont even own any powertools but this just shows solutions are always possible. The hobby seems even more enjoyable since subscribing. Thanks!
Hey Smokey, Yea when you are new or don’t want to spend a lot on equipment, cleaning parts is one of the things you can improvise a little bit. A lot of people start out cleaning by hand and then move up later on to a different system that’s more efficient. Great to have you around brother. 🤘
@@watchrepairtutorials oh yeah, really cool to be learning all these techniques. I will definitely be coming back to this one when I get a good spot going for a watch setup! And its feels good to be apart of your community!
I'm glad I discovered your channel. I've been interested in watches and clocks for decades and want to learn how to repair them. There was a watchmaker around the turn of the century that allowed me to hang out at his shop and glean some knowledge, but life had different plans and threw some fast and consecutive curve balls at me. I'm ready to get back to it.
IPA can be somewhat effective, just not as much as hexane. I am working on a video right now about the use of IPA on shellacked parts that may be helpful to you.
No. NC. I just upgraded my camera and audio equipment so hopefully you’ll see some more improvements. Honestly, the main thing is just getting comfortable talking to a camera, which is incredibly hard to do at least for me
@@watchrepairtutorials well you are great and the instructions are clear. I’m replacing a nameless movement in a cheap Rolex copy with a Citizen Miyota 8215 right now and so far so good but the hands from the cheap mechanical Mvmt don’t fit so I’ve ordered new ones. Hoping to get it running
Hello Wai, If you start with my first videos and watch them one at a time, practice what’s in the video it will teach you the basics and you can build your knowledge on step at a time. I use the ST36 movement which is a great place to start. Let me know how I can help you.
First things first. I worked in a watch , clock repair shop in the mid 70 ' s as a teen. For four years I trained under one of the best watchmakers in town. I still have some basic tools. I'm soon going to be at retardment age. I mean retirement. I'm going to start working on watches again as a hobby. They say great minds think alike. Your cleaning equipment is exactly the same way I want to set up mine. Cleaning watches is very important, yet not quite rocket science. You have a new viewer, follower as of this video. Thank you. Looking forward to more. No pressure.
Awesome to have you, no pressure felt. I am always open to learning something new as well so feel free to chime in. You are correct, cleaning is not rocket science and you can get there a lot of different ways. There’s only 2 simple rules. They have to be clean and free of residue. Cleaning machines are a luxury for many and a time saver for me. Retardment, that’s funny, I don’t care who you are.
Thank you for the practical guidance and tips on how to make do with what you have available or can afford. It's so very helpful! And the links are very helpful too! I hope you make lots of affiliate money! :)
This video, like all your others, contains a wealth of information. First, many thanks for the hexane suggestion. The mixed hexane solution is cheap, it evaporates quickly and it’s a great grease solvent. I use it as a final rinse. Second, the spinning basket is another great idea. I use jars with a low-power ultrasonic cleaner with L&R for washes. My basket has a wire handle. I put an electrical spring clip in the chuck of a drill and it’s great for spinning off cleaners before the next bath. Most importantly, you’ve taught us the importance of a thorough clean. I was pretty good before, but now I understand tat I need to take it to another level. Finally, I stay away from IPA for the pallet fork and the balance because it dissolves the shellac holding the jewels in place.
@@watchrepairtutorials I agree.I am just getting started ,so a hobby for now.But my mind is always thinking .Planning on building a homemade cleaner.I liked your idea of JB welding a shaft on my cleaning basket as you did 👍.
Hi! Diane from Florida here! I love your videos I’m learning so much! I love the spinning basket. You are such a McGyver. 🥰❤️🥰 OK I just really aged myself, but I don’t care Im happy 😃
Hey Diane from Florida. I really appreciate hearing from the lady watchmakers out there. I know there’s a bunch, they just don’t make their presence known. Thank you 😊
Alex, genius stuff in this one! Loving the jazz! I’m going to now check out those links! BTW I’ve been into watch restoration for the last 2 years and serviced approx 30 watches and pocket watches. Working on a 1919 cylinder escapement wrist watch that is currently kicking my arse! I’m going to check out your other channel soon.
Absolutely the details I am looking for... just starting out to clean my own watches, low-volume, and can't justify machines, etc, yet. THX for doing this video!
Glad to help! You seem to get what I was going for here. There’s much better ways to clean watch parts but when you first starting this is a way to do it without letting the lack of equipment stop you.
I’m in the same boat. Ronsonol/naphtha and IPA with Alex’s cleaning jar setup. Quick question though - if one were to use the L&R solution (like the L&R ultrasonic #111)….does that stuff work even without the ultrasonic?
Thanks again for these videos. I have dabbling in watchmaking for a few years now and read several books, watched numerous YT vid's and even a video class. Yet your approach and fantastic tips are so welcoming in this somewhat 'members only' world. Your openness and years long knowledge has given me many ways to improve, corrections that make sense and money saving advice. Thanks again. As a side note, would you recommend joining either the NAWCC or AWCI to an amateur hobbies/part time watchmaker?
Thank you Brian. New watchmakers either get what I’m doing or they don’t just depends on what their goal is. I can’t think of any good reason to really join the NAWCC. On the other hand, I have been a member of the AWCI for quite a while. You do get access to a database of mostly vintage part list for many obscure movements that you would not be able to find elsewhere, but the real value is there archives of their magazine. I think it goes all the way back to the early 70s may be a little bit farther back than that. These magazines will be a wealth of knowledge. The current magazines, although good, typically refer back to articles written during this time. So my vote would be for AWCI.
Off-the-shelf napatha, will have varying degrees of impurities in it. As long as you can get it residue free, then it would be fine. Any leftover residue in jewel holes or end stones or the hairspring will lower the service life of the work you did.
@@watchrepairtutorials I am Setter and Goldsmith, slowly working my way towards watchmaking as well. It's like talking to someone I've worked with for years, explaining a technique I didn't know about.
This video is legendary. The pictures from the guy that built his own tool is so cool.
Yea it is. There’s actually been quite a few people that have taken the idea that I show in this video and ran with it.
Alex,
Thank you for this video series. I am in the aftermath of a great reset in my life and I am throwing everything at becoming a watchmaker. Your videos combine my love of watchmaking and mechanics with another love of mine: doing things the right way as inexpensively as possible. You are the Chrisfix of the watch world showing us starting out where to save and exactly what we need to do the job. I love it. I have a considerable chunk of cash to throw at Watchmaking and a small machine shop (for making cases and dials 😀) but every dollar I save lets me get a better cutter or more stock or more supplies, or old watches and clocks to fix! So thank you!
Wow man. I love Chrisfix
Chrisfix is awesome! Great comparison.
He reminds me of Gerry Garcia. I like Gerry
A video on how you set up your workspace would be awesome
Maybe one day. This channel is dedicated to teaching watch repair. I’m not sure how many of my viewers really care about that.
I strongly agree with everyone else. These videos are extremely helpful and I cannot thank you enough. I've done alot of research so far, and I mean alot, but your channel is one of the best sources I have found.
If not ---- The very top - one . . . it's certainly in the top 3 !!! & I mean this sincerely ! In the world .
I am loving these no nonsense explanations. Thank you sir, great job as always.
Love ya man. Glad you find them useful.
Absolutely!
Great stuff!! Thanks for posting!
Brilliant video. Thank you so much.
Loving your intro series here its so helpful
Thanks again for this video series. it has been the most useful in all aspects of starting watchmaking..
Excellent video with tons of great tips. Thanks and please keep them coming!
Thanks K.W
Thanks, Alex. Very informative and no waffle.
Mmmm waffles.
It’s time for some breakfast.😄
Excellent tutorial keep up the good work!
Another Awesome tutorial 👌
Alex, this is really solid information. Thank you for the professional videos with relevant information. Really great work.
My pleasure. How is everything in Portugal?
Awesome video; one of the best yet for a beginner.
Glad it was helpful. This video was really intended for the watchmaker just starting out. I imagine there are a lot of people holding out because they think they have to have a machine.
One of the best videos and explanations for that topic!!! I’m super happy! Thanks a lot for your informations and your advices! Real helpful!!
Hi Dennis,
Just remember that this is just a starting point for people who are new to the hobby.
We will get into more detailed cleaning videos using ultrasonic cleaners but this was really to give people ideas on getting started.
Thanks for watching 😀
excellent videos
Thank you for your help
You got it J. D.
Great videos!!! Thanks a lot for sharing your professional knowledge in such an understandable way to us newbies!
You're very welcome Tristan.
So. Much. GREAT. Info!! Thank you!!!
You are so welcome!
Great job, excellent videos, the show must go on! Thanks for teaching us.
Thank you brother
Well done, Alex! Thank you for sharing your expertise!
My pleasure! Regards to Rusty.🤙
That's the content I was looking for! Thank you so much for the great infos
I’m glad you liked it. I hope you follow along
Alex thank you for these extremely useful tips. You are the hero of all of us DIY watch tinkerers!
You are MY hero Pieter. Let me know if there is any video's you need.
Thank you.. You are a gentleman.. Go on your lessons.. We wait for all new
Thank you my friend
Thanks Alex! I have learnt a lot from your video series and really appreciate your effort in making these instructional videos. This payment is just a small gesture of my appreciation. Keep up the good work and I will suppprt your channel whenever I can!
Everything is appreciated Vincent. I could be making videos and shooting for a million views but these types of videos are what’s missing.
You are the man. You make watch repair attainable to everyone.
Thank you, Joseph. This is definitely the harder and more time consuming way but you can effectively clean parts without a machine.
Your tutorials are the best on UA-cam. I love your no nonsense approach and your empathy for people like me that are starting out in this hobby and dont have too much money to spend.
Liked and subscribed
Johnny
Thank you for recognizing that. In these beginning videos, they are designed for people who are just starting out. I’ve done all the videos on using ultrasonic machines and I’m even working on one on how to upgrade ultrasonics for even better cleaning. The point of this video is to show you, that machines are not required, but I really more of a convenience than anything else
Excellent explanation
Remember this is just a starting point. Thanks Mike
Great video. Everyone else seems to assume people have a watch cleaning machine. Love the drill idea.
It’s an option, especially if you are new to the game and don’t want to hand clean every single part and screw. Long term you may want to explore soMe kind of machine but this will definitely get the job done.
Hey man, I appreciate you watching and hope you follow along.
Thank you so much
Watch this video twice today
Hey Stuart, Great to have you. Hope you follow along.
Very helpful video - than you for taking the time to make it!
My pleasure!
Very glad to have found your channel. Just getting into this hobby, and these instructional videos are invaluable. I have an unused drill press from the 1960s that I'm sure could be a willing participant in watch cleaning!
Welcome aboard Nathan.
Finally, I have an idea of how to clean camera and shutter parts!
You are the best! Really enjoy the videos.
Thank you, my friend. This video is truly meant for the people just starting out or trying to keep cost to a minimum. And most people if you stick with this crazy hobby end up moving into an ultrasonic machine and some even go into rotary machines just for convenience purposes. Regardless of that even when using those machines, you still do pre cleaning work by hand.
Thank you for the video, the tips and insights are helpful. Your Drill idea is cool as.
Thanks for watching Francis.
very good advice, thanks
You are welcome!
Thanks for the very informative and excellent video. Recently discovered your channel and you are such an excellent teacher and resource and appreciated by many of us pursuing this hobby. Your home made cleaning system is brilliant. Regards, Jeffrey.
Thank you Jeffrey. I just did the ultrasonic video not long ago which you also might find interesting.
ua-cam.com/video/z-SGm-nhGt8/v-deo.html
Great lesson - thanks a lot
You are welcome!
Exactly what I've been looking for. I'm new to the hobby and I knew there must be a way to do this by hand without all the expensive machinery. Thank you for the great video
It's good to have you with us Aaron. This video was really meant as a starting point. Obviously it's more labor and time intensive but you're right the whole point is is that you don't need thousands of dollars of equipment. all you need is a little bit of ingenuity.
Thank you for this video alex...
No worries!
Great video, just what a lot of amateurs like me need need to know -Thanks
Glad it was helpful Richard. Thats exactly who it was mad for.
Best video I've seen, wish I had it when I started. Still learned new things, thank you.
My pleasure thank you
You are a master of ingenuity sir! When you busted out the drill I was dying. I gotta give this a shot.
Thanks for the great videos.
Hey man,
This is meant for the budget minded guys out there. Butttt, the basket could also be used in a jar sitting in a Ultrasonic.
When switching from one jar to another, it would enable you to spin off the excess fluid before going into the next jar, extending the life of your rinse solutions. 😀
I'm not knocking it in any way, it was just very unexpected. Especially when you were going over the basket I'm watching thinking what is he gonna do here??... It's a hell of a solution to a common problem. Those old L&R machines are expensive.
@@rickhufnagel6984 no no no, I didn’t think you were. Yea, the old vintage machines seem to be creeping up in price as more people jump in.
Thanks, Alex! This is very informative for someone just beginning watch maintenance and repair as a hobby. Greetings from Alex 😄
Great to have you man
Thanks for this video, very helpful
You're welcome Tomy
Great thanks for the cleaning video - the trick with the basket and the drilling machine is just insanely cool. Once again great thanks!
It’s just a starting point my friend. I hope you learned something from the video
@@watchrepairtutorials definitely, keep doing what you are doing, this is just awesome. Respect!
Excellent. Thank you.
You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by
Great video! Thanks! I was looking for such educational material!
I have a pump dispenser like the plastic one you have, and I also use mine for IPA, but I also used them in the past for flux remover solvents, like perchloroethylene or trichloralethylene.
Welcome Jeffrey,
I hope you follow along with us.
Good video! I like the idea of being somewhat self-reliant!
This is OK when you’re first starting out but most people get tired of hand cleaning parts and want something a little more efficient. It really just depends on how many watches you work on during a month.
Just what I was looking for. Thanks! New subscriber
Awesome! Thank you!
Wow. This is the video I've been searching for since 2020. Thanks for all the awesome tips and for giving me hope that I can have good results in this cool hobby without spending thousands of dollars to buy a professional cleaning machine. Cheers from Canada! **SUBSCRIBED**
Well, don welcome. That video is still relevant in a lot of ways but I’m working on a new video right now on how to get the most out of an ultrasonic machine and I’m testing different cleaning products to see how they stack up against each other. Should be interesting.
Thanks!
What can I say. That have not been expressed already.
You are very good. And any one.( And I think there is a lot )people like to do watch repair as a hobby. And for that reason I say.thank you
And we ALL NEED YOU!!!!
Thank you so much 😀
Great video, very useful. Thank you.👍😎
Hope to see you again Fred. Thanks
@@watchrepairtutorials Yep, I subbed.🤓
Great!
Thanks for the tips.All the best.
Always welcome my friend.
Excellent video. Thank you :)
I hope it's helpful.
Thanks! Great videos! I built a spinner inspired by this video. I soldered a brass rod directly to the brass small parts basket. I’m working on my first watch.
That is awesome! I’d love to see a picture of it.
Thanks for these wonderful tips. I have binged watched the series. You have given me some great new insights into amateur watch repair esp. when it comes to saving money (hexane, menda bottles, etc.). I have though about the drill-basket technique before but never tried it. Now I use paint brushes, pith wood, lighter fluid, and 99% alcohol, and air dry. It seems to work, but the food dehydrator or hair dryer move might be next. I have already dressed my tweezers and screw drivers per your instructions--huge difference. Well done and thanks, again.
That’s what I love to hear. Thanks for sharing that. Awesome
Been collecting since 1980's, went to watch school in 2011. Sold two watch cleaning machines. Prefer hand cleaning. Your method surprised me in a good way. A+++++ on the novel approach especially with regard to making a spinning backet. Many thanks.
Hello Tom,
The purpose of this video is to show someone new that you can literally clean parts by hand and with a little it if ingenuity you can make a some pretty sweet homemade alternatives to expensive machines. Some of the ones my viewers have made are amazing.
Usted es el mejor. Muchas gracias por sus videos. Saludos desde España.
Me encanta saber de mis amigos en España. Gracias por las amables palabras.
Alex: I put together the basket / jar method and am really happy with how it worked. I got an 1/8" steel rod and some JBWeld from Home Depot and modified the basket like you suggested and it worked great. Thanks for the information and the excellent explanations.
Nice work Mike. I’m glad the video gave you some inspiration.
You don't find this kind of knowledge throve often...Thank you sir.
So nice of you. Thank you my friend
@@watchrepairtutorials amazing...I wonder how algorithm didn't show me your channel before. Just what I need and I hope they keep coming .
@@0_Ka-Bar_0 It's the Man holding us down. Just kidding. I glad you found us. I have a lot more coming.
I'm watching a bunch of videos to get a list together. I don't have a lot of money but I want to get into this hobby thanks to you and a couple other watchmakers on UA-cam. I had this drill idea when trying to figure out how I'd clean movements without an expensive machine, and I'm stoked to see it was recommended. Looking like it'll take several months to slowly put together a set of equipment I'll be comfortable starting with, but I'm excited to get the ball rolling. I'll chuck 50 bucks or so at it a month and by next year I'll have everything I need :)
Go for it man.
Your videos are great. No Nonsense straight talk. Practical information. It is all so helpful, especially when you share ways for someone starting out to save money on tools and necessities. I really look forward to the Bonus tips at the end of your videos. Thank you
I appreciate you Kevin. Let me know if you need anything.👍
Duuude im just becoming more and more into watch servicing. And seeing the grit in just making things work alternatively and someone like me being able to do as well is really cool.
I dont even own any powertools but this just shows solutions are always possible. The hobby seems even more enjoyable since subscribing.
Thanks!
Hey Smokey,
Yea when you are new or don’t want to spend a lot on equipment, cleaning parts is one of the things you can improvise a little bit.
A lot of people start out cleaning by hand and then move up later on to a different system that’s more efficient.
Great to have you around brother. 🤘
@@watchrepairtutorials oh yeah, really cool to be learning all these techniques. I will definitely be coming back to this one when I get a good spot going for a watch setup!
And its feels good to be apart of your community!
you are genius!!! Thank you for your ideas!
Happy to help! When you are ready, check out the video I just did on Ultrasonics.
You re the best on youtube love from algeria bro ❤❤❤
Algeria? I love it man. Greetings brother
Great videos, honesty about the cost of things and dropping the f bomb in the first 15 seconds that is epic. We’re going to get along just fine. 😎
LOL.
I'm glad I discovered your channel. I've been interested in watches and clocks for decades and want to learn how to repair them. There was a watchmaker around the turn of the century that allowed me to hang out at his shop and glean some knowledge, but life had different plans and threw some fast and consecutive curve balls at me. I'm ready to get back to it.
Welcome aboard Greg. Hope to see you again. Let me know if I can help
@@watchrepairtutorials thanks, Alex. I'll be sticking around.
Hi Alex, thanks for the video. Great bonus tip. Thanks! I use IPA 99%, as a degreaser, but not on the pallet fork and balance because of the schelac.
IPA can be somewhat effective, just not as much as hexane.
I am working on a video right now about the use of IPA on shellacked parts that may be helpful to you.
Great vid!
thanks buddy
I love how clear you talk. You’re my kind of people
You aiint from Rochester, are you?
No. NC. I just upgraded my camera and audio equipment so hopefully you’ll see some more improvements. Honestly, the main thing is just getting comfortable talking to a camera, which is incredibly hard to do at least for me
@@watchrepairtutorials well you are great and the instructions are clear. I’m replacing a nameless movement in a cheap Rolex copy with a Citizen Miyota 8215 right now and so far so good but the hands from the cheap mechanical Mvmt don’t fit so I’ve ordered new ones. Hoping to get it running
Instantly followed
Well alright Frank. Thanks for joining us. Let me know if you have any questions.
Alex
Thanks a lot
Happy to help
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your video. I am starting to learn everything about watchmaking but have yet to disassemble, clean, and reassemble a watch.
Hello Wai,
If you start with my first videos and watch them one at a time, practice what’s in the video it will teach you the basics and you can build your knowledge on step at a time.
I use the ST36 movement which is a great place to start.
Let me know how I can help you.
First things first. I worked in a watch , clock repair shop in the mid 70 ' s as a teen. For four years I trained under one of the best watchmakers in town. I still have some basic tools. I'm soon going to be at retardment age. I mean retirement. I'm going to start working on watches again as a hobby. They say great minds think alike. Your cleaning equipment is exactly the same way I want to set up mine. Cleaning watches is very important, yet not quite rocket science. You have a new viewer, follower as of this video. Thank you. Looking forward to more. No pressure.
Awesome to have you, no pressure felt. I am always open to learning something new as well so feel free to chime in.
You are correct, cleaning is not rocket science and you can get there a lot of different ways. There’s only 2 simple rules. They have to be clean and free of residue.
Cleaning machines are a luxury for many and a time saver for me.
Retardment, that’s funny, I don’t care who you are.
Best useful video Sir
Keep watching
Thank you for the practical guidance and tips on how to make do with what you have available or can afford. It's so very helpful! And the links are very helpful too! I hope you make lots of affiliate money! :)
My links are not affiliates. I just included them so people can see what the product is.
Looks great!! Thank you for the vdo
Thanks for watching!
Awesome! You have my subscription!
I appreciate you man. 🤘
Recently found your channel. Great content ❤
Thanks so much Johan. I’ll see you in the next one.
Another great lesson. I have the Pearl watch cleaning machine so no McGiver for me. Bought the Q Tips….good advice
Yep I run I zenith for jar spinner but I’ve been using my ultrasonic more and more. Getting great results with Elba Red 1.9
This video, like all your others, contains a wealth of information. First, many thanks for the hexane suggestion. The mixed hexane solution is cheap, it evaporates quickly and it’s a great grease solvent. I use it as a final rinse. Second, the spinning basket is another great idea. I use jars with a low-power ultrasonic cleaner with L&R for washes. My basket has a wire handle. I put an electrical spring clip in the chuck of a drill and it’s great for spinning off cleaners before the next bath. Most importantly, you’ve taught us the importance of a thorough clean. I was pretty good before, but now I understand tat I need to take it to another level. Finally, I stay away from IPA for the pallet fork and the balance because it dissolves the shellac holding the jewels in place.
You make my heart sing. Thank you Paul.
Best videos on You Tube
Ah man, thanks you brother!!😃
Thank you so much.
Always welcome
Thanks for the video.I like cheap.(economical) ways of doing things.I like the trick for the spinning basket used on drill.
It’s one method for cleaning when starting out but it will get old if you start doing a fair amount of projects.
@@watchrepairtutorials I agree.I am just getting started ,so a hobby for now.But my mind is always thinking .Planning on building a homemade cleaner.I liked your idea of JB welding a shaft on my cleaning basket as you did 👍.
Hi! Diane from Florida here! I love your videos I’m learning so much! I love the spinning basket. You are such a McGyver. 🥰❤️🥰 OK I just really aged myself, but I don’t care Im happy 😃
Hey Diane from Florida. I really appreciate hearing from the lady watchmakers out there. I know there’s a bunch, they just don’t make their presence known.
Thank you 😊
Fantastic
You must be watching em all.
Thank you
No problem Jose.
Stick around, there is a lot more coming
Alex, genius stuff in this one! Loving the jazz! I’m going to now check out those links! BTW I’ve been into watch restoration for the last 2 years and serviced approx 30 watches and pocket watches. Working on a 1919 cylinder escapement wrist watch that is currently kicking my arse! I’m going to check out your other channel soon.
Boyd, too long, but I love it.
Awesome video. Someone should make and sell one of those drill baskets!
That’s a good point. I bet you could sell them
Absolutely the details I am looking for... just starting out to clean my own watches, low-volume, and can't justify machines, etc, yet. THX for doing this video!
Glad to help! You seem to get what I was going for here. There’s much better ways to clean watch parts but when you first starting this is a way to do it without letting the lack of equipment stop you.
I’m in the same boat. Ronsonol/naphtha and IPA with Alex’s cleaning jar setup.
Quick question though - if one were to use the L&R solution (like the L&R ultrasonic #111)….does that stuff work even without the ultrasonic?
Nice cleaner
Thanks Alex, great info for a learner like me lol.
Any time!
Спасибо, всё просто и доступно👍
Glad I could help brother
Thanks again for these videos. I have dabbling in watchmaking for a few years now and read several books, watched numerous YT vid's and even a video class. Yet your approach and fantastic tips are so welcoming in this somewhat 'members only' world. Your openness and years long knowledge has given me many ways to improve, corrections that make sense and money saving advice. Thanks again. As a side note, would you recommend joining either the NAWCC or AWCI to an amateur hobbies/part time watchmaker?
Thank you Brian. New watchmakers either get what I’m doing or they don’t just depends on what their goal is. I can’t think of any good reason to really join the NAWCC. On the other hand, I have been a member of the AWCI for quite a while.
You do get access to a database of mostly vintage part list for many obscure movements that you would not be able to find elsewhere, but the real value is there archives of their magazine. I think it goes all the way back to the early 70s may be a little bit farther back than that. These magazines will be a wealth of knowledge. The current magazines, although good, typically refer back to articles written during this time. So my vote would be for AWCI.
So simple and practical! It would be useful to know why you shouldn't put the balance in the naphta. Thanks so much!
Off-the-shelf napatha, will have varying degrees of impurities in it. As long as you can get it residue free, then it would be fine. Any leftover residue in jewel holes or end stones or the hairspring will lower the service life of the work you did.
I'm a huge fan of how straight forward this is. Nice to see a video where someone talks like a real person.
Thanks Wayne, I am getting better at it.
@@watchrepairtutorials I am Setter and Goldsmith, slowly working my way towards watchmaking as well. It's like talking to someone I've worked with for years, explaining a technique I didn't know about.
@@tylerwebster5734 You are awesome man. When you say "Setter" are you referring to setting gen stones.
@@watchrepairtutorials I am, in the NKY/Cincinnati area. Diamonds, gem stones, and so on.