Post by ausimax on Dec 17, 2017 18:44:46 GMT -8
Project X was an idea to build a watch cleaning machine, the original thought was to use materials and equipment I had at hand.
Original intent was to build in metal however the problems associated with prototyping with metal and the fact that other prospective builders may not have access to metal working equipment eg: welders, grinders and lathe, I decided to go with timber.
The resources I had at hand were; scrap timber left from other projects, a 26mm OD vaccume cleaner wand, a 60 year old Singer sewing machine motor and controller and lots of other junk to choose from.
The major problem was going to be the washer cage and baskets, after researching various ideas like buying mesh and forming the baskets myself and making a cage to hold them the difficulties were just to hard to over come, so I had to resort to purchasing them from Cousins, this was the major cost of the project.
The first sod was turned in early October when I began the construction of the base and installation of the mast, the next task was to make a mounting for the motor, to do this I had to turn a sleeve from aluminium bar to make the slide then fabricate the bits to fit it to the motor.
The foot control for the motor was not suitable, didn’t want to have to stand with my foot on the pedal all the time, and it didn’t lend itself to modification for hand control, so I purchased a motor controller from China at a cost of $12 and 3 weeks wait.
I sourced 3 wide mouth jars from Poland ( had to eat the pickles first) to use as solution jars - problem! When the cleaning cage arrived it would not fit in the jars, then began a search for suitable jars, didn’t want to splurge on jars from Cousins at £25 each minus lids, I finally found Mason jars that would fit, cost $19 for 3 with lids.
Another problem was that I could not find a lid and drive shaft for the cage at Cousins so I had to fabricate one on the lathe.
Eventually I got all the ducks in a row and the big day had dawned - first test flight - on with the safety gear and parachute and testing began, testing proved successful with limitations, the sewing machine motor lacked low speed torque and as a result the motor would not slow start with the controller and would suddenly start when it got to about the half speed setting with a splash and rattle.
After using it several times I decided it was not up to my expectation so I decided to go a different rout I purchased a geared 12 volt motor and a DC speed controller again ex China for a total cost of AU$ 18.48 and three weeks time.
This change required a rework of the motor mounting and a rewire to 12 V I had a 13.5V transformer from an old Canon printer or scanner to power it, and several hours work and the Ausimax Mk IV Watch Washing Machine became a reality.
The total cost was about AU$258.00 the greater part of the cost being the frame and baskets from Cousins at S195.00
Its no Elna but it does the job, I didn’t incorporate a dryer if I need to dry I have an old hair dryer, it may not be everybody’s cup of tea but (a) I’m mean (b) half the challenge of doing watches is making the equipment to do the job, I never throw anything that may be half useful out so there are lots of junk to chose from.
Original intent was to build in metal however the problems associated with prototyping with metal and the fact that other prospective builders may not have access to metal working equipment eg: welders, grinders and lathe, I decided to go with timber.
The resources I had at hand were; scrap timber left from other projects, a 26mm OD vaccume cleaner wand, a 60 year old Singer sewing machine motor and controller and lots of other junk to choose from.
The major problem was going to be the washer cage and baskets, after researching various ideas like buying mesh and forming the baskets myself and making a cage to hold them the difficulties were just to hard to over come, so I had to resort to purchasing them from Cousins, this was the major cost of the project.
The first sod was turned in early October when I began the construction of the base and installation of the mast, the next task was to make a mounting for the motor, to do this I had to turn a sleeve from aluminium bar to make the slide then fabricate the bits to fit it to the motor.
The foot control for the motor was not suitable, didn’t want to have to stand with my foot on the pedal all the time, and it didn’t lend itself to modification for hand control, so I purchased a motor controller from China at a cost of $12 and 3 weeks wait.
I sourced 3 wide mouth jars from Poland ( had to eat the pickles first) to use as solution jars - problem! When the cleaning cage arrived it would not fit in the jars, then began a search for suitable jars, didn’t want to splurge on jars from Cousins at £25 each minus lids, I finally found Mason jars that would fit, cost $19 for 3 with lids.
Another problem was that I could not find a lid and drive shaft for the cage at Cousins so I had to fabricate one on the lathe.
Eventually I got all the ducks in a row and the big day had dawned - first test flight - on with the safety gear and parachute and testing began, testing proved successful with limitations, the sewing machine motor lacked low speed torque and as a result the motor would not slow start with the controller and would suddenly start when it got to about the half speed setting with a splash and rattle.
After using it several times I decided it was not up to my expectation so I decided to go a different rout I purchased a geared 12 volt motor and a DC speed controller again ex China for a total cost of AU$ 18.48 and three weeks time.
This change required a rework of the motor mounting and a rewire to 12 V I had a 13.5V transformer from an old Canon printer or scanner to power it, and several hours work and the Ausimax Mk IV Watch Washing Machine became a reality.
The total cost was about AU$258.00 the greater part of the cost being the frame and baskets from Cousins at S195.00
Its no Elna but it does the job, I didn’t incorporate a dryer if I need to dry I have an old hair dryer, it may not be everybody’s cup of tea but (a) I’m mean (b) half the challenge of doing watches is making the equipment to do the job, I never throw anything that may be half useful out so there are lots of junk to chose from.