Friday hairspring fun.

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Starting to look at my balance. Urgh. Before I spank $200 on a new one - I'll see how far I can get with untangling it.
WIN_20240913_16_31_15_Pro.jpg WIN_20240913_15_39_28_Pro.jpg

Like to think I'm starting to make progress.
WIN_20240913_16_42_54_Pro.jpg


Reattaching the stud is future me's problem.
 
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Reattaching the stud is future me's problem.
As I was scrolling down I thought "he hasn't mentioned repinning the stud yet!" and then there it was...

So the question I have is, how did the stud become separated from the balance spring? If it broke off, remember that when you repin it, it will now be shorter. Shorter = faster rate, so hopefully you have enough range to slow this down...
 
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As I was scrolling down I thought "he hasn't mentioned repinning the stud yet!" and then there it was...

So the question I have is, how did the stud become separated from the balance spring? If it broke off, remember that when you repin it, it will now be shorter. Shorter = faster rate, so hopefully you have enough range to slow this down...
It sheared off at the stud entry as I was attempting to move the one of the regulator arms. Me being too heavy handed no doubt.

Ack on the length - I was really using this as a learning experience and was going to cross that bridge when I got to it (I would like to attempt placing a stud). Either way, but it turned out to be a moot point.

I learnt two lessons this weekend
1. Dont attempt hairspring work when you're feeling rushed, or generally p*ssed off at the world
2. Blue hairsprings are a lot more fragile than I realized. (the section that broke did seem 'thinner' than the rest of the spring - almost 'stretched out')

New replacement part 1327 now inbound.

I did notice that generally you cant seem purchase the hairspring part separately - althrough ofrei offer a bunch of options. Am assuming that the balance wheel and hairspring are very closely aligned, and the usual (simpler) approach is to replace the whole part.

Likely I'll buy some hairsprings to practice adjustments on though, so do plan to come back to attempting a stud installation. - (unsure as/when i'll consider landing a hairspring vibrating tool to make that part usable)
 
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I did notice that generally you cant seem purchase the hairspring part separately - althrough ofrei offer a bunch of options. Am assuming that the balance wheel and hairspring are very closely aligned, and the usual (simpler) approach is to replace the whole part.

Likely I'll buy some hairsprings to practice adjustments on though, so do plan to come back to attempting a stud installation. - (unsure as/when i'll consider landing a hairspring vibrating tool to make that part usable)

Parts are typically sold as a balance complete which has already had the whole balance and hairspring assembly poised and vibrated. Not that its not possible to install a fresh hairspring, but as you have just learnt hairspring manipulation is a challenging task not to mention for most people pretty time consuming. We have only done the inner curve and outer curve manipulation on hairsprings at school so far, and its certainly been one of the more challenging assignments i've gotten so far, but i have also yet to do the dynamic poising thats a bit later.
 
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Parts are typically sold as a balance complete which has already had the whole balance and hairspring assembly poised and vibrated. Not that its not possible to install a fresh hairspring, but as you have just learnt hairspring manipulation is a challenging task not to mention for most people pretty time consuming. We have only done the inner curve and outer curve manipulation on hairsprings at school so far, and its certainly been one of the more challenging assignments i've gotten so far, but i have also yet to do the dynamic poising thats a bit later.
Absolutely hear you on the time consuming part. i was super happy on Friday, was slow, deliberate and cautious. On Saturday, I was way too rushed, and aggy. Good learning experience though!

Always fun to learn a new skill, and learn how to use a new tool!
 
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On Saturday, I was way too rushed, and aggy. Good learning experience though!
That's also when I either damage something or send watch parts to unknown dimensions in the room.
 
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I have a dozen or more hairsprings to practice with.

I am leaning onto the classroom time model. Most classes/lectures are about 40 to 50 minutes. So Set an alarm to limit one to this amount of time or less. Most of the messing up comes from the continued trial/error wanting that gratification reward.

It is said that practicing 15 minutes a day is better than 3 hours once a week. I have poor time management, so I often give advice I myself do not head.

There are now some decent YT videos. Henry's is an excellent supplement to his book.

I have yet to manage the inner coil stuff. The overlapping coils are hard to see since they blend together and the tweezers always grab both or the whole thing jumps. It does not take much to cause the coils to overlap, and the bend is often subtle.

One tip I missed. Use a needle (like the smallest beading needle) in a pin vice. Only nudge the spring. I see Henry recommends using fingers.

A lot of the written stuff is aimed at the larger pocket and alarm clock springs.

I have taken to rolling napkins (serviettes.) Into spirals after dinner. And paper straw sleeves at restaurants.

I have a balance tool, Keep thinking of seeing if I can make some sort of laser SPoD (Single Photon Detector.) Which can be made from an LED. Really easy to go off the rails with YT. Amazing that Omega was timing things that way back in the 60s or 70s. I wonder if the diamond scribed mark can be found on the balance rim?