Watchmaking - Making Carbon Steel Hairsprings for Watches, Clocks and Other Small Mechanism.
Clickspring・10 minutes read
Watchmaking textbooks offer guidance on constructing dial indicators, specifically focusing on creating hairsprings to provide anti-backlash force. Different generations of technology are employed in hairspring production, with tools like recessed tools and winding arbors used to shape and wind the wire before heat treatment and finishing.
Insights
- Watchmaking textbooks offer detailed guidance on creating hairsprings, covering theory and practical tips, indicating the importance of this component in a dial indicator's gear train.
- Hairspring production involves a range of technologies, from traditional non-heat treated methods to modern alloy and silicon processes, showcasing the evolution and diversity in this critical aspect of watchmaking.
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Recent questions
How is a dial indicator constructed?
A dial indicator is constructed with a hairspring for anti-backlash force in its gear train.
What do watchmaking textbooks provide instructions on?
Watchmaking textbooks provide detailed instructions on making hairsprings, including theory and practical advice.
What generations of technology exist for hairspring production?
Various generations of technology exist for hairspring production, ranging from non-heat treated approaches to modern alloy and silicon processes.
What tools are used for forming hairsprings?
Tools for forming hairsprings include a recessed tool defining spring characteristics and a brass winding arbor to catch and wind wire.
What is required for rolling carbon steel wire for hairsprings?
Rolling carbon steel wire for hairsprings requires annealing, with music wire or supplier-provided wire suitable for the process.
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Summary
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Creating Hairsprings for Dial Indicators
- Construction of a dial indicator requires a hairspring for anti-backlash force in its gear train.
- Watchmaking textbooks provide detailed instructions on making hairsprings, with theory and practical advice.
- Various generations of technology exist for hairspring production, from non-heat treated approaches to modern alloy and silicon processes.
- Tools for forming hairsprings include a recessed tool defining spring characteristics and a brass winding arbor to catch and wind wire.
- Rolling carbon steel wire for hairsprings requires annealing, with music wire or supplier-provided wire suitable for the process.
- A lathe can be adapted with smooth rollers to roll wire, with careful control and support mechanisms for successful rolling.
- After rolling, wire is wound into a spring shape, heat treated, and polished or blued as needed, with different shapes like flat spirals or helical springs possible.
