Oiling of Balance and Capped Escape and Pallet Jewels
By GEO. GRUEN
All capped pallet and escape jewels as well as the balance jewels should be oiled before the parts are placed in position. If not oiled in this manner, sometimes the oil does not work through to the cap jewels, and the result is that the pivots run on dry stones, causing a grind, and, of course, pitting the cap jewel. A very small drop of oil should be placed directly in the center of the cap jewel. Too much oil at this place is almost as bad as lack of oil. For the purpose of retaining the right amount of oil in the pivot holes, we take advantage of a natural phenomenon called capillary attraction. If too much oil is given, the oil will fill the space to the edge of the jewel hole. It would immediately be attracted by the close space between the setting which would pull it away and leave the pivot without a sufficient supply of oil.
It is a good plan to oil the pallet arbor pivots before placing the pallet in position because if there is small shake, the shoulders might not receive oil. Special care must be observed when oiling the upper pivot of the pallet fork, which must be oiled only slightly, otherwise the oil flows under the bridge, the pallet sticks, the motion is impeded, and regulating is impossible. The oiling of the notch of the pallet fork is done by means of a small wooden stick, which is slightly oiled and rubbed on both sides of the notch. This is more of a greasing than an oiling, for the oil must not be visible.
The quantity of oil needed for the train wheels is easily determined as the oil containers of the jewels permit a slight control. The center wheel pivots should be oiled before placing the wheel in position for the pivots need to be well oiled because of their location so close to the source of power.
Mainsprings
Mainsprings should be carefully oiled with a heavier oil and the arbor pivots should not be overlooked. The oil must be placed at the bottom of the mainspring barrel, at the edge of the first spiral "and only so much as it is necessary to slightly moisten all spirals. The upper side of the mainspring is covered with just a very thin layer. The mainsprings of small watches should be oiled sparingly because if too much oil is applied, the oil may travel from barrel to center wheel, to hairspring, where it will cause trouble. The third wheel should also be oiled sparingly because the surplus oil may find way to the hairspring.
Winding Parts
Winding parts should be oiled with a heavier grade of oil. The bearings of the stem-wind wheels should be oiled and' all bearing surfaces, including the square of the winding arbor where it runs through the clutch pinion.
N ever oil the pinion or the teeth of any wheels, with the exception of the escape wheel, and that only with a touch of oil on every fifth tooth.
Stock Oil
Stock oil should be tightly corked and kept in a dark and cool place, as light disintegrates the best quality of oil.
Oil Cups
These should be small agate cups with boxwood covers. They should always be cleaned before putting in fresh oil and covered when not in use to prevent contamination by dust and other. foreign matter. Containers should be kept scrupulously clean and in factories they should be cleaned every day and in watchmakers' shops at least three times a week.
Oiler
A good oiler can be made from a pinion broach having the tip flat and filed dart shaped. This type of oiler is more reliable than the tube and needle automatic oiler. The point of the oiler should be kept off the bench so it can not collect dirt. Various size oilers should be used for the different parts.
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