How I Made a Watch Cleaning Machine DIY Project Watch Repair

This video is about my yet another DIY project. Getting involved in a great hobby of the watch repair, I am always thinking about getting better tools, equipment, accessories, etc. to improve the quality of my work. This time I came to the conclusion, that I need to get one of the most important of watchmaking tools - the cleaning machine. I wanted it to be close by specs to the commercially available machines and I set my mind to making the cleaning machine... by myself. And I planned to spend on this project $100 only.
If you are interested in seeing how this project was done, I invite you to watch this video. It is only 30 minutes long, but it shows the work that took 3 weeks.
Enjoy the video, as I did enjoy every moment while building this watch cleaning machine.
Here is a link to the video about motorizing the scissor lift of this machine:
• Motorized Scissor Lift...
Thank you for watching, and if you liked the video, please give it a thumbs up! And subscribe to my channel! Also check Bell for "All" to get notified about my future video posts.
Below are the links to the equipment, tools and materials I use when working on the watches. These links are paid by Amazon Associate program and if you use them to make a purchase, as an Amazon Associate, I will earn from qualifying purchases and it will help to support the channel:
TOOLS:
Digital microscope for inspection and recording: amzn.to/3QzyQPi
Bergeon 9-piece Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3CMpRoe
Bergeon 55-710 Set of 4 Oilers: amzn.to/3GXoZPd
5 Dish Watch Oiler Set: amzn.to/3QFDewu
Screwdriver Sharpening Holder: amzn.to/3ZKBGWb
Sliding Nickel Handheld Pin Tong Vise: amzn.to/3ixo2EQ
2L Degas Sweep Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: amzn.to/3CKYvis
Motorized Rotating Display Stand: amzn.to/3GDi11B
Stand with Double Non-Slip Clamping Pad: amzn.to/3X9IQ4i
VIDEO and AUDIO:
Main video recording photo camera #1, Canon EOS RP: amzn.to/3IMwr28
Main video recording photo camera #2, Sony 6400: amzn.to/3kdFzT9
Secondary video recording photo camera, Fujifilm FinePix SH10: amzn.to/3D7y1bh
EF-R2 EF to RF Adapter for Canon RP: amzn.to/3XJOPgn
Canon EF Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Metabones Adapter: amzn.to/3W6hoD9
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens: amzn.to/3Qy5RM1
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens: amzn.to/3W9Kd1N
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone: amzn.to/3kh7GAY
Blue Snowball USB Microphone: amzn.to/3CKR0b9
ACCESSORIES and MATERIALS:
Small Ultrasonic Task Jewelry Cleaning Basket: amzn.to/3XtCSuO
Ultrasonic Cleaner Parts Basket: amzn.to/3kcsGbX
Troop-Balas Laboratories One-Dip Watch Cleaner: amzn.to/3W8x0WZ
Testor's 1139TT 1/4 Oz Black Semi Gloss Enamel Paint: amzn.to/3ZBwUdd
Articulating Magic Friction Arm: amzn.to/3GGk0ls
SMALLRIG Super Clamp: amzn.to/3IFhGhs
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy: amzn.to/3w1p670
Parts Storage Box: amzn.to/3X9NZt9
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (IPA):amzn.to/3CKO3aR
Heat Resistant Tape: amzn.to/3l0ZOE5
7PC 3 Inch Buffing Wheel Kit: amzn.to/3IGWVC5
24 Outlet Heavy Duty Multi Plug: amzn.to/3ZrkswN
3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Reusable Respirator: amzn.to/3X6a6k9
3M Respirator Cartridge 6006: amzn.to/3Xpmfk3
PolyWatch Plastic Watch Crystal Scratch Remover Polish Tool: amzn.to/3ixBWXJ
Lansky Ultra Fine Sharpening Hone: amzn.to/3Zwunku
The Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3WabpNP
WEN Drill Press Table: amzn.to/3QlbLSe
24V DC High Torsion Reversible Motor: amzn.to/48UGCMq
5V - 24V Forward/Reverse Controller Motor: amzn.to/49MZi0Z
24V 8mm Shaft Worm Gear Motor: amzn.to/3wDErOY

[@hellothere312]

alot of watchmakers are electrical engineers on you tube. love your channel!

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you! I think the electrical engineering develops many skills, that could be used in different fields of creativity. Thank you for watching my videos!

[@tadeubotelho4410]

Yes. It's impressive how many electrical engineers are watchmakers. I think I'm the only computer engineer who's a watchmaker. Computer engineers are few. Lonely life lol

[@ValentechTime]

@@tadeubotelho4410 No, you are not alone! I started as an electrical engineer, but grew up with the technology and became a computer system engineer, working in R&D field. As a matter of fact, many electrical engineers have converted to computer engineers.

[@tadeubotelho4410]

@@ValentechTime This is amazing. I'm glad to know I'm not alone. I wish you much success in computer engineering as well. Your videos are very productive for my learning. Thank you very much

[@ValentechTime]

@@tadeubotelho4410 Thank you!

[@Aussie_Wild_Adventures]

Improvise adapt and overcome!

[@ValentechTime]

Yes!

[@michaelvanaswegen2088]

Awsome Job Man, That hair blower gave me a smile😂. But just comes to show those machines are grossly over expensive

[@boydsargeant7496]

Great job!

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you!

[@rossjackson3670]

Fascinating. Well done on your innovation.

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you, Ross!

[@djernardwatches6552]

👏nice job (from Beirut)

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you!

[@Davide_Firenze]

Hello and congratulations. Do you have a detailed wiring diagram of how you connected the controller to the motor? In your descriptions, you didn't see where you found the glass vessels. Thank you Davide

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you, Davide! The wiring diagram came with the controller, power supply connections were routed through power switch (green). The jars were bought in a local Japanese store for $3.25 each, but any jars could be used, providing they have an entry slightly wider, than the used basket.

[@Anne6621]

40 years ago i used to run across watch cleaning machines for 50 and 100 dollars and now the price WOW , , i am thinking a deWalt vari speed drill and a vintage craftsman hand drill drill press and a watch parts basket and mason jars and an electric hotplate , nice build Sir

[@ValentechTime]

Thanks for your comment! Yeah, these days the watch cleaning machines are at $500 and up. The project of building this cleaning block cost me $100. I added another $50 later to get the scissor lift motorized (there is a separate video about that).

[@Anne6621]

@@ValentechTime so so cool ,, do you have a link to where you got those glass jars with the lids ???

[@ValentechTime]

@@Anne6621 I've no link, sorry. I purchased these jars at the local Japanese store for $3.25 each.

[@markashlock9017]

You might have mentioned that you were a Double E before I watched 15 minutes of instruction for a project that is totally out of my wheel house. But thanks 😏.

[@ValentechTime]

Being a Double E (EE) might helped me in doing this project, but most part of it belongs to ME (Mechanical Engineering). As well as watchmaking, which is not so close to EE. What I want to say is that if you like to do something, it will become part of your Wheelhouse, right? Thanks for watching, I like your comment. It's unique.🙂

[@makduck2914]

I love the creativity you used to turn the drill press into a watch movement cleaning machine. The controller implementation was very interesting.

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you, makduck2914! I appreciate you nice comment!

[@johnhannon]

I used that same controller board and a overhead lab stirrer with a DC gear motor for my machine. My baskets are 3D printed. I like the way you made the rotating base.

[@ValentechTime]

Hi John! I agree this controller is good for this task. Do you have a video for your setup? I want to motorize the jack lift, it should be a good upgrade. And then I will need another motor and controller. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

[@johnhannon]

@@ValentechTimeKZbin keeps deleting my replies. If you look under my name, I have one video short showing the machine drying cycle. It uses a 12V heater/Fan combo with a 3D printed chamber like the L&R machine. The heat or chemicals do not seem to cause problems with the 3D plastic. I used PETG filament.

[@ValentechTime]

I found your last reply on my cell, but not here (in browser). I also found your short video. Looks good, I was thinking about using stand like yours before deciding to use a spare drill press. What the name for that stand? And I am interested in what heater/fan combo you use. Thanks.

[@johnhannon]

@@ValentechTime Please see the comment for my video for build information Thanks!

[@ValentechTime]

Thanks, I found your post on the Reddit. Wow, you did it a year ago, nice setup!

[@4godandcountry663]

Great idea have you seen that guy in Australia that makes Kiwicleaning machine. It’s really interesting.

[@ValentechTime]

Thanks, I saw a few videos on YT about making own watch cleaning machines. But I am not sure if some of them were from Australia. Could you provide a link to the video you asked about?

[@kevincasey2708]

Great video ! I was actually thinking about doing this very thing ...adapting a drill press...and then I thought....I'll bet somebody else has already done this. You've done a much better job with your design and build than I could have. But looking at your list of accessories and materials, I'm not seeing any of the electronic components... microprocessor circuit boards etc. listed. Could you share or provide a link as to what they are and where to get them, please ? By the way, I've already liked and subscribed !

[@ValentechTime]

Thank you Kevin! I've just added the links to the motor controller and to the motor I used to motorize the scissor lift (there is a separate video about lift motorizing). I wish you good luck and thank you for liking/subscribing!

[@kevincasey2708]

Well, your reply was faster than the time I typically wait for somebody to return a phone call.😂 thank you for sharing the information and again for such a great video.

[@ValentechTime]

This time it took much longer, because it was a night time here. Usually I am trying to respond as soon as I can. 😄

[@thcmagus]

What did you use for the 120/110 to 24 V power supply?

[@ValentechTime]

@@thcmagus I use the lab power supply to feed the motor's 24V. It takes about 1A. You can use any power supply/adapter that can deliver the same wattage.

[@antonioelizalde3989]

Hi can i ask where you buy the baskets for the watch parts? I've been looking for one, but couldn't find any

[@ValentechTime]

You can find a link to the watch parts basket in the description for this video under section "Accessories and Materials".

[@user-tk3sw2hx1b]

Whats the name of the microcontroller you used

[@ValentechTime]

It is a general purpose motor micro controller. Here is a link to it: amzn.to/46BKhg2

[@gjorgisokolovski3071]

Hello, how can I contact you to ask you a question about issue regarding my ETA 2783 movement?

[@ValentechTime]

Hello, you can ask watch related question here.

[@gjorgisokolovski3071]

@@ValentechTime I have a eta2783 automatic movement. It had a issue with keyless works and I replaced it. It was running fine and precise until the winding stem broke. After It broke while waiting for the new stem to arrive the watch randomly stopped working. where do I search for the issue or how to diagnose it. I'm new into watchmaking and don't have very much knowledge about issues like that. Thanks in advance!

[@ValentechTime]

@@gjorgisokolovski3071 What first comes to mind is the hack feather. I think this movement has it. If it so, than broken stem left the keyless works in the position when hack went to the intermittent action, hence the watch randomly stops. After you replace the stem the issue might go away.

[@gjorgisokolovski3071]

@@ValentechTime When I put the new winding stem the watch still doesn't work

[@ValentechTime]

@@gjorgisokolovski3071 From your previous message I thought you are waiting for the new stem to arrive. Anyway, you should open the watch and check how keyless works works. Maybe some else broke or went out of place. Or some piece from broken stem fell inside the movement. Inspect everything.

[@screaminugly3296]

That’s not a watch cleaning machine. It’s some jam jars in a bucket under a pillar drill and the jar is completely exposed to all the workshop filth and contaminants.

[@tadeubotelho4410]

The machine cleans the components, therefore, logically: it is a cleaning machine. Where is your machine building video here to help us advance in machine engineering. Or have you never designed one?