JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 So I am going to start building awesome custom homages that I will sell for huge profit over at RG so I need some tools. I figured we needed a place to post about tools. What do we need for basic horological maneuvers on the workbench? I figure to start I need these basic items: Universal case opener Screw driver set Tweezers (antimag) Spring bar tool Pin tools (hammer/punch, support) Vise Hand puller/setter Loupe Crystal press So far I have ordered screw drivers from Jackson Tse, I already have sticky ball but will get a proper opener (now that I have evolved past Rolex I can use the universal). I just ordered hand puller setter set too: Post away kids!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted July 27, 2009 A good start - add some rodico to the list Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 Birdman sells some good cheap screw divers and other tools. get some rodico as well. Finger cots (onze condoms) or latex gloves if you don't have them. Also sandpaper in grits from 120 to 1500 and polishing compound. Plus 7447+ scotchbrite pads. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted July 27, 2009 I'd go higher than 1500 HD. more like 2500 for final polishing of SS scratches. You will want a case holder too. A MVT holder or MVT pad makes removing hands easier as well. Both are quite cheap. Get a dial guard for hands removal, for the 5 bucks or so they provide a little more security than watchmakers paper (which you also need). Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 I'd go higher than 1500 HD. more like 2500 for final polishing of SS scratches.You will want a case holder too. A MVT holder or MVT pad makes removing hands easier as well. Both are quite cheap. Get a dial guard for hands removal, for the 5 bucks or so they provide a little more security than watchmakers paper (which you also need). Col. after 1500, I switch to may bar compound abrasives in the dremel. This 6 bar set from amazon takes over after 1500 grit. The brown is tripoli and the red is rouge. I use all six for a mirror shine on SS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ubiquitous 0 Posted July 27, 2009 Get a dial protector as well. Very important to have one. You'll likely also want a dust blower, and as the gents above mentioned, rodico and finger cots are good to have also. Toothpicks are one of those must haves for working on watches. They come in handy for all sorts of different purposes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alphakazi 0 Posted July 27, 2009 Get a magnifying lamp - I picked one up for $60 - they're great when you want good light and magnification with 2 free hands and no loupe in your eye Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 Get a magnifying lamp - I picked one up for $60 - they're great when you want good light and magnification with 2 free hands and no loupe in your eye I need on of these! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 Cool, thanks guys - this will be a useful thread! Added Rodico (don't know what the fuck it is but I will put my trust in you all and buy one (some?) to the list, dial protector... dust blower, sandpaper, scotchbrite, and whatever else you guys say.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ubiquitous 0 Posted July 27, 2009 Rodico is the putty stuff... Good for all sorts of stuff like cleaning, stabbing parts or tools into, etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted July 27, 2009 And holding small screws, placing hands and a million other uses. great stuff rodico. You will want a cpl of partitioned, covered parts trays as well. Belive me, you need them! While you're at it, go HERE and order Bergeon's workshop catlogue. It's the free one, the full version is 90CHF! They will either mail you a copy or send you a link to download it. Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted July 27, 2009 Get a magnifying lamp - I picked one up for $60 - they're great when you want good light and magnification with 2 free hands and no loupe in your eye I need on of these! I prefer the head visor. A cheapie with 4 different lenses is less than $20. You can use 2 different lenses at a time for medium and fine work without having to change anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 Head visor sounds like good idea - a friend is a jeweler, uses one... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alphakazi 0 Posted July 27, 2009 Get a magnifying lamp - I picked one up for $60 - they're great when you want good light and magnification with 2 free hands and no loupe in your eye I need on of these! I prefer the head visor. A cheapie with 4 different lenses is less than $20. You can use 2 different lenses at a time for medium and fine work without having to change anything. I was going to get the visor but I tried a few of them on my big head... wasn't happening plus I still needed a good light source If I remember correctly, you have to bring the watch in real close to the visor lens but with that lamp, I could keep it about a foot away Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 I was going to get the visor but I tried a few of them on my big head... wasn't happening plus I still needed a good light source If I remember correctly, you have to bring the watch in real close to the visor lens but with that lamp, I could keep it about a foot away http://www.light-tech.com/Merchant2/mercha...egory_Code=5SMH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alphakazi 0 Posted July 27, 2009 dude, that's like $300 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllergyDoc 40 Posted July 27, 2009 I thought John was finally admitting that he's a tool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 I thought John was finally admitting that he's a tool. I thought something similar... I had my "LIST" all ready to go, then realized what this was about. Thankfully, I didn't post it.... it would have been, uh, awkward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 dude, that's like $300 $217 if you don't mind having a cord attached to your head! But seriously, how about using THESE to make a custom one: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 dude, that's like $300 $217 if you don't mind having a cord attached to your head! But seriously, how about using THESE to make a custom one: I would think your head would get a little hot. We are working on watches here, not spelunking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 I would think your head would get a little hot. We are working on watches here, not spelunking. Oh, yeah, need ventilation, how's this: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 I would think your head would get a little hot. We are working on watches here, not spelunking. Oh, yeah, need ventilation, how's this: That little mini halogen would cook your scalp. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted July 27, 2009 That little mini halogen would cook your scalp. Okay so add this: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted July 27, 2009 I would think your head would get a little hot. We are working on watches here, not spelunking. Oh, yeah, need ventilation, how's this: That little mini halogen would cook your scalp. Okay so add this: That little mini halogen would cook your scalp. Okay so add this: Looks like you got it nailed down. Post pics of the prototype.. Although, I would be worried with the fan blowing stuff all over the place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
