Watchmakers lathe - How to turn Basic Cuts

Hey guys,
In this video I demonstrate how use the watchmakers lathe. I demonstrate taking five basic cuts that every watchmaker should know, using the gravers I sharpened in the previous video. When first using the watchmakers lathe, it is best to practice turning brass and then move onto carbon steel.
This is essential knowledge for practical watchmaking, and also for the watchmaker who wishes to manufacture parts for the repair of watches and clocks.
Please like, share, comment and subscribe and I will make more watchmakers lathe videos.
Cheers Dean DK
Music : Ronald Jenkees - Red Lemonade Remix
Ronald Jenkees - Piano Wire
Ronald Jenkees - Simpletank
Ronald Jenkees - 7 Times
Ronald Jenkees - 103 Degrees
www.ronaldjenkees.com/mp3-store/

[@keithsolloway9544]

Hi, as a eighty year old WATCHMAKER it is very important that the T rest is firm and does not rock around as yours does. After saying that I enjoy watching your video's as they are very good for up and coming would be watch repairer's or watchmakers, I've been in the trade for about 64 years and still making part's for other watch repairer's who call themselves watchmakers. I also have lived in Australia for the past 30 years, now in Tasmania. Keep up the good work with the videos. K.S.

[@DeanDK]

Thanks for watching and your advice Keith, really appreciate it, I’m constantly learning. Nice to meet another Aussie here 😁

[@ActiveAtom]

We are happy to see a fellow watchmaker sharing the tools and machines of the trade, we are new to KZbin and we are happy to find you here Dean DK. Thank you.

[@GCarterStokum]

I recently found a watch lathe in the back of a shop that is almost the same as this lovely little one, and working restoring a few bits! Your vids are Finally giving me the last bits of knowledge to get started down that project! Thanks for the vids!

[@dalepatten5612]

Just started working on trying to turn with a graver myself, so this video is very helpful. My watchmakers lathe didn't come with a t-rest so I had to find one. First try came out ugly, but that was expected. Will keep at it.

[@bbrachman]

I am fascinated by these tiny little lathes. Steve Fletcher (on the Repair Shop) uses one in many episodes to change the diameters of pins and cogs. Amazing what one can do with one of these tiny little metal lathes.

[@horlogemaker-antwerpen]

Great video again! So well explained and so nicely filmed! I'll definitely give that a try!

[@DeanDK]

+Steve Koll Thank you Steve. I am glad to hear you will give it try! :D

[@iuiz]

Nice video. Also I liked how you mixed the sound and the music :). This was kinda more fulfilling to watch. This is high quality. I hope you upload more. Looking forward to it.

[@DeanDK]

+iuiz Thank you again for your support. Im glad you enjoyed it. I will be continuing the how to watchmakers series very soon!

[@MrNorthernmike]

Great video for me as I'm just starting out. You've shown some great pointers for a "newbie". Thank you so much.

[@DeanDK]

Im glad thank you. I wish you all the best on your journey!

[@boydsargeant7496]

Nice video. I’m going to watch some more of yours!

[@ypaulbrown]

awesome, cheers from Florida, USA...Paulie

[@coffeepot3123]

Just watching this makes my mind light up, as i want to become a watchmaker.

[@rogerhupp3115]

WOW! Now this is an art!

[@DeanDK]

Thanks Roger 😁😁

[@khwcc3048]

Great video! Perfectly explained! Keep it up!

[@DeanDK]

Wow! Thank you 🙏 I really appreciate that feedback from you!

[@mrhsv83]

Dean DK, love the video. I feel like I will never be as good as you though. You're a pro 👍

[@DeanDK]

+The_Death_Angel I am no pro, but everyday I work to improve my skills on this journey. Anyone can easily be better than me, I just hope that these videos can atleast inspire someone to give it a go if they have been hesitant or thought it was too hard.

[@Alf898]

Thanks Dean, really useful video. I always struggle with the lozenge up cut and tbh can't really see any advantage in it but I'll persevere.

[@DeanDK]

+Jane Brister Thank you for your feedback. I found that I prefer diamond up when turning conical work, only because I find it easier to control. Other than that its only a different method to achieve the same goal in my opinion. But if you can stick it out I am sure you will get it in no time. :)

[@verybigkittens7550]

I must get one of these, as long as I can re pivot clock arbors etc. Looks large enough for doing clocks. I work on clocks 7 days a week, got several spring winders and now I have a bushing tool,got that last December.

[@steverichey7517]

I love your videos.. but they are so relaxing I can't stay awake..

[@berryj.greene7090]

Very encouraging. Thank you.

[@DeanDK]

+Berry J. Greene Thabmnks Berry! You can do it!

[@pootthatbak2578]

I use an electric drill, mounted in a workbench vise. Place the material in the drill vise, then work it with grinding stones/ metal files/ various sandpapers. It is possible to make 13 mm by 1.3 mm band pins for friction fit metal bracelets

[@gtl62]

What a great video, thank you.

[@DeanDK]

Thanks for you comment :)

[@sheikhg1017]

Dean DKn

[@blueneet84]

Thank you so much for this video Dean. I was wondering if you remember the motor setup you had for this lathe? I have the same lathe but the sewing machine motor I'm using isn't great! Any advice would be appreciated.

[@okonyestanley6459]

thanks Dean.

[@Thenowhereman42]

Incredible how you do this all by hand. I do this on much larger diameter workpieces but with computer aid. When I need to put a spot for a drill in the center of a workpiece I simply touch the side of a part and then measure the diameter, half it, and then imput that in to a computer.

[@kali223laron]

just got my 1st lath and u have helped me a lot thank u

[@DeanDK]

I'm glad to hear Kali. I got another watchmaker lathe tool project next week, where I will focus on tempering correctly. I hope to see you there.

[@DocOpera1]

Thank you so much for posting. I really enjoy your videos. Question about the parting cut. I read in a well-known, instructional text on watchmaking (from the 1950s) about parting the work in the lathe (while rotating) using a jewelers saw. I have not yet tried this, but it just seems like it would be faster, less work, and give a cleaner cut than parting using a graver. Is this not the case?

[@kingofcastlechaos]

The heat build up can be an issue, those small blades are not designed for high spot heating.

[@rc3151]

Great video thanks Dean!

[@DeanDK]

Thanks Justin 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@GottliebGoltz]

I never thought of using My gravers that way.

[@sachin-hp7xt]

Nice video, would like to see a video on how to make a balance staff.

[@DeanDK]

Thanks. Hopefully sometime this year!

[@upen369]

Great video sir! I've watched all your videos so many times and am always eagerly waiting for a new one. I wish to make a watch by myself like you. I've read "Beginner's Watchmaking" and currently reading "Daniels' Watchmaking". But can you help me regarding Lathe? What type should I buy and which model to satisfy all the future needs. And what other tools will be required to make a simple mechanical watch with a tourbillon?

[@DeanDK]

+Panchakshar ॐ Hi there. Thanks for watching my videos and commenting. Your questions are difficult to answer, via text. I would strongly recommend reading George Daniels book a few times and I think it will guide you to the tools required to build the tourbillon. This you will grasp exactly what lathe attachments you will require and make your purchases accordingly. I feel that it is quite a hard thing to do, had bought and sold many lathes which I thought would do the job for me and then realised they didnt. Don't let this discourage you. I wish you the best of luck on your goals!

[@upen369]

Dean DK Thank you very much! Do you happen to have any sample tourbillon plans or movement plans? If so, could you please share it with me @ [e-mail], I'll really appreciate it. Thank you very much, again.

[@pianoman1558]

Super!

[@davel831]

Brilliant video , could you please do a drilling video using the graver to centre first please.

[@DeanDK]

Thanks for your great suggestion Dave! I do want to start making more watchmakers lathe videos, and have put this on the list!

[@davel831]

@@DeanDK can you do a basic introduction to lathes belt tension etc please

[@donfogler6093]

Does rotation direction matter for diamond up and diamond down?

[@verybigkittens7550]

looking at the lathe, can it be used for clocks as well, looks large enough, or are watchmakers lathes just a term used for both watchmakers lathes and clockmakers lathes.

[@halnwheels]

Dean, I just subcribed to you because I came upon this video and it's so well done. Very watchable (no pun) and informative. I have had my watchmakers lathe for most of my adult life. I have a carbide graver set that has a graver polishing collet that you put diamond powder on. It's so good to see this video that shows you can do productive work on these lathes. Everyone''s buying those Chinese machines today that don't look like they have any accuracy. Mine has cone bearings and has serial number matched, hand scraped, head and tail stock. I've been told it has a concentricity of 50 millionths. Is that even possible? I wish I had the back pulleys for it. I just use a single belt setup.

[@DeanDK]

Hi sorry about the delayed reply. If you have a variable speed motor, then counter shaft or back pulleys aren't really needed. From what I have learnt on my journey the watchmakers lathe should have concentrically of 0.005mm at the nose. Then the collet will have runout, preferably the same, as you want a max Total Runout for turning to be 0.01mm.

[@lansavodnik1999]

great video! I'm just curius but what lathe is that?

[@DeanDK]

Hi, Thanks for the comment :) I'm using a Peerless Lathe made by Marshall.

[@lansavodnik1999]

thanks for the reply and keep up the good work.

[@scotthaddad563]

Is it normal for the rest to be free to move as you work? As a wood turner it is imperative that the tool rest be locked down before turning. I noticed a slight movement in your rest and that is what prompted my question. Thanks.

[@DeanDK]

Hi Scott, the rest is locked down to the bed, but is free to flip up and down via its pivot point. This allows you to quickly move the rest out of the way and see and take measurements. The slight movement is just the small amount of play. Thanks for watching and commenting 😁😁👍🏼

[@mohammadmoosavian9716]

It's not about numbers. It's all about feeling and touching. :)

[@DeanDK]

😁😁

[@kumprabh]

Need to get the catelogue, specifications and quote details of such a lathe. Can I get a reference for the same?

[@DeanDK]

This is a Peerless watchmakers lathe, made in the mid 1900's. 👍

[@andykappes1x]

how big can you get the chuck for these? I really want to make my own chess set by hand out of aluminum or brass. would these work for that? thanks.

[@DeanDK]

Hello, Andy. You can get a 3 jaw chuck for these lathes. I would turn nothing larger than 3/8 - 1/2 inch or 10mm - 12mm. The amount of material you can remove is quite small with every pass.

[@theis131]

Very helpful video! I am just purchasing my first watchmakers lathe to use for goldsmithig purposes, and I was wondering if you could enlighten me on what kind of belt you are using and where I could find one. It comes with an old leather belt that is incredibly loose. Hope to hear from you, and keep making awesome videos!

[@DeanDK]

Hi there. eBay has plenty you can buy. Thanks for watching 😁 Search for watchmaker belt on eBay. Depending on your lathe you can buy different diameters. I used 5mm diameter for my lathe. Once you get it measure it out on your lathe, onand cut to length and melt the two ends together 👍🏼

[@theis131]

@@DeanDK thank you so much! I love your videos

[@DeanDK]

Thanks Theis 😁

[@rikardlinder2562]

how do you sharpen your lathe cutter tool? i would love a tutorial for taht!!

[@DeanDK]

+Rikard Linder You could do the same way on a stone. If you HSS tools and you have a chipped edge its best to use a bench grinder.

[@tonywright8294]

Why do you do it freehand ? I’m not knocking it but why not use a cross slide ,a compound slide etc

[@Mobin92]

What I don't understand is how you can make things to size. E.g. if I need a rod that is exactly 0.3mm in diameter, how do I do that by hand? Constantly stop and measure?

[@allanagris2535]

interesting..

[@ljubavnifeder]

Wath lathe are you using. Nice work Dean.

[@DeanDK]

This lathe I was using was a Peerless 8mm Watchmakers Lathe

[@seanlimbaugh2105]

Dean, It looks like diamond down works better than diamond up on your brass part. Is the same true for steel?david

[@DeanDK]

Hi David, Diamond down is easier and use it the most which maybe why. I am sure there are people out there who turn much better using diamond up. It's more personal preference. For almost all applications you could use one or the other exclusively.

[@LOOKATTHISRAFFF]

I'm looking for information about my lathe from the last movie if anyone knows what this model is

[@angrydragonslayer]

Oh man, this feels so weird to me I quite frequently have to do similar parts for work but i use a cnc grinder for them instead

[@armandoolivares1123]

Were can i buy one.

[@DeanDK]

Many can be purchased used on Ebay

[@steverichey7517]

I've been looking for a good lathe, but they are really expensive... where can I buy one reasonable.. cheap!

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

At clip 11:33, you were guessing that you had 45 degrees.......... correct ?

[@survivalisme88]

You-Tube Junkie He scribed lines on the face and on the o/d. And formed the angle by machining the brass away to each scribed line.

[@ginahardee4891]

what lathe head is that? Rivett??

[@DeanDK]

This is a Peerless watchmakers lathe

[@alzeeraworks]

Could I know the name of the lathe machine you are using please..

[@DeanDK]

This is a Peerless watchmakers lathe

[@alzeeraworks]

Thanks for your help..🌹🌹🌹

[@MrjackieG]

I have one of those lathes I would part with.

[@jlg4880]

I wonder if this is how John Harrison fabricated his naval chronometers.

[@davestambaugh7282]

No metal is easier to machine than brass. A whole lot of money and time was spent to make steel alloys that had the same machining characteristics as brass.

[@DeanDK]

Thanks for watching and commenting Dave, I agree 100

[@jacquismith8671]

why not just use a centre lathe ?

[@DeanDK]

Hi Jacque, I think it’s a case of horses for courses. The watchmakers lathe can be used to turn steel pinions down to less than 0.15mm. By hand and the machine not spinning at break neck speeds. I think it would be hard to pressed to do that on a centre lathe that can be picked up for around $300

[@NavinBetamax]

at 10:35 ...thereabouts........your tool rest is not locked down solid........guess you did not even to bother correcting this shot even after editing !! P.S .....its been a year since post and no one noticed this ?? Maybe I got to go back to my training school and learn some more !

[@DeanDK]

Hi Navin, very observant! The is a flip over tool rest, sometimes swarf can get underneath it can seem like there is a little bit of movement. However, everything is locked secure and has no negative effect on the outcome. 👍🏼

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

Your drawing shows a flat piece of material. ;) Is that unleaded brass, very long chips!?

[@DeanDK]

+Baikal IZH35M Its just to help explain not as a technical drawing. I'm not sure, it should hopefully have some, it was sold for machining, and is readily available and cheap. It works good enough for practice exercises.

[@lste]

Pity about the distracting background 'music'.

[@captpogossian]

Many thanks! But please lose that irritating music. It adds nothing to your demonstration.

[@wedaringu667]

I liked the music! What I disliked was the fact you can see in his reflection he isn't wearing safety glasses.

[@wedaringu667]

You should always briefly cover hazards and safety measures before starting a video where you use rotating equipment. This is the general public you are broadcasting to, obviously.