New(OLD) Tool Day 2! L&R Watch Cleaning Machine: The Varimatic-ing

For those who are familiar with my journey over the summer, I restored an L&R Console cleaning machine, having to remake the ultrasonic part: https://omegaforums.net/threads/new-old-tool-day-l-r-console-watch-cleaning-machine.185176/

WELCOME TO THE SEQUEL.

Well: Today I went to the Northwest NAWCC Clock & Watch show outside of Portland OR. I didn't end up getting what I was there to find, but saw a bunch of nice watches and clocks for sale, plus had quite a few nice chats! I was tempted to pick up a watchmaker's lathe, but talked myself out of getting THAT far into the hobby 😀

However, sitting off to the side was John from Accutron-Only sitting next to an L&R Vari-matic with ultrasonic cleaner (First I've ever seen one!). I chatted with him a bit and mentioned how much trouble I went through with the last project, and shared my interest, and he mentioned he just had this (plus a parts machine) that he never did anything with. Both seemed to otherwise work, but the parts machine has a seized motor.

I had ZERO intention of purchasing it, but was curious, so I asked what he was looking to get for it. And he mentioned a number... then mentioned that he'd include the parts machine for that price. Now, to tell you: The price he asked for was one that I'm both ashamed to say, but also one I'd be ashamed to offer. You know when you list something on FB Marketplace/ebay/etc, and you get those awful people who are like, "I'll give yout 3 pieces of used candy for it, but you have to deliver, because I'm a single cat owner!"? This price was one they'd be ashamed to offer.

SO, I foolishly accepted immediately. The parts machine is at his office in Portland (so I'll be making a quick road trip early this week to pick it up!).

Once I get the parts machine, I'll decide what to do with these. I would LOVE to end with 1 fully functional/awesome varimatic on my bench. IF I end up with 2 functional ones, even better (though I might find a way to pass it on, plus do the same with my Console).

I intend to tell the story here best I can!

Watching with interest.
Is that a vintage Taylor chair it's sitting on?

Yes, I believe it is! It has a castor that doesn't stay put and the wood it is mounted in is busted out from a previous owner's attempt to fix it. I meant to re-try to fix it up, but the 'socket' part for the castor never came available, and the cheap ones i found online don't do a good job. It was my watchbench chair for a while until the busted castor hit my frustration level 😀

Same here!
I had an identical problem with the original castor. Couldn't find a suitable replacement though.

Here in my watch room in 2017.



After the castor failed, I removed the remaining three, cleaned up the base and it's now the bedroom chair.