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nick@clockmaker.com.au
Exercise #5
The escape wheel is the last wheel in the train, but it is also part of the escapement unit. It
connects the counter with the oscillator.
The wheel itself is light with very fine pivots. Careful handling is essential! Due to the size of
pivots and jewels it sits on, the wheel cannot be 'maneuvered' too much.
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Place the barrel and train bridge over the escape wheel. Check the wheel for radial and axial
movement.
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Exercise #6
In this step we will practice assembly of the third, fourth and escape wheels.
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Align the top pivots into the bridge in the following order:
- fourth wheel
- third wheel
- escape wheel.
Before tightening the screws, check the train for radial movement by gently turning the centre
wheel. Observe the motion - the escape wheel should turn freely with a minimal amount of force
applied to the centre wheel!
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Exercise # 7
The pallets (or pallet) connects the escape wheel with the balance wheel. Like the escape wheel,
it has very fine pivots. However it has its own bridge so assembly is less challenging. Since the
bridge is held with two alignment pins, it is not necessary to insert screws until the bridge is
placed and pallets checked for axial movement.
Insert the pallets into the lower jewel and position the fork as per photo.
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Place the bridge over the pallets and hold it down with tweezers (gently, with minimal force),
while with second tweezers steer the pallets pivot into the top jewel.
Check the endshake (axial movement). When handling pallets, avoid touching pallet jewels!
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Installation of pallets is finished when pallets are set to rest at banking point as shown below.
Exercise # 8
Installation of balance wheel (complete)
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By holding the balance wheel cock as shown, insert the bottom pivot into lower jewel. Note: the
lower jewel is located in a cup, which is slightly raised above the main plate. The pivot must be
placed inside the cup, not 'slid in.'
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Now place the balance cock over the blance wheel. Insert the top pivot into the top jewel.
Photo below shows correct method of handling / steering of the balance wheel.
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You will notice that axial movement is significantly higher than on the train wheels. This is due to
the fact that the balance wheel is sitting between jewels which can slightly move (shock
absorbers).
Insert and tighten the cock screw and check the freedom of the balance wheel once again.
The best way to check the radial movement of the balance wheel is to gently blow air in to the
balance the wheel rim (but NOT directly over hair spring!). A correctly assembled wheel will
swing 300-400 degrees in either direction and it will be returned in 'centre' position by asction of
hair spring.
NOTE: Balance wheel MUST BE HANDLED GENTLY and with utmost caution!
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Exercise #9
Install the escape wheel and train bridge. Install pallets. Note the relation between the pallets
and the escape wheel. Make sure that pallet jewels are NOT placed over the escape wheel tooth,
but in between them.
Install the pallet bridge and check the 'freedom' of the pallets.
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IMPORTANT!
Before proceeding further, it is absolutely crucial to understand how the escape wheel is
'connected' to the pallets.
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- then to insert the balance wheel so that the pin enters the trajectory as dotted in green.
If the pallets are banked on the oposite side, the roller pin cannot enter the fork and the balance
wheel will be only "free" to rotate on one side, while hitting the fork from the 'outside' which will
result in a sudden stop.
The installation procedure may be challenging to a novice watch enthusiast, however if the
balance wheel is not installed properly it is necessary to repeat the placement process until the
jewel is placed in the fork AND the balance wheel is stiting correctly between the jewel cups.
Red dots mark the incorrect point of placement of the roller jewel.
Once again, this is the most delicate assembly step and it must not be rushed! Take your time!
By doing so, the roller jewel will 'find its way' into the fork 'by itself'.
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You have now assembled all 3 components of the oscillator unit: the escape wheel, pallets and
balance complete. By gently blowing air (use a hand pump!) get the balance wheel to oscillate.
Observe the action of pallets in relation to the balance wheel and escape wheel. (The escape
wheel should not rotate).
Repeat the above step 10 times. No time frame is set for this excercise.
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The mailing list will serve to allow better communication between 'students' and allow the
rest to follow the progress of our project. The group is not moderated so please focus
posts on topics related to the DIY project: assembly tips, general observations, help
requests, tools and parts exchange, project photos and DIY comments.
There is only ONE RULE: please sign all posts with your full name and location :-)
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