Tools: bench, tool chest, lamps, case openers

WATCHMAKER,S BENCH

Watchrnaker’s benches are generally made of wood. They come in different finishes such as mahogany, oak and walnut. The bench contains small drawers and compartments in which the watchmaker can place his tools and materials. Average height is about 38 inches, width 22 inches and length 42 inches.

AUXILIARY BENCH

The beginner can improvise a working surface such as a table or drawing board. In order to raise the height of a table to 38 inches, it is advisable to make an auxiliary bench which can be set on an ordinary table and be readily removed and stored when not in use.

TOOL CHEST

This portable cabinet is convenient for holding tools and materials if a regular bench is not available. It measures about 20 inches long by 9 inches wide by 12 inches high.

STOOL

A small stool is the most common form of seat used by the watchmaker. It should be adjusted to a height which allows the workman to rest his arms on the bench, at the same time keeping his shoulders back. This allows him to work without tiring as the bench supports the arms and proper breathing results. The beginner can use an ordinary chair.

POSTURE CHAIR

The posture chair illustrated is becoming more and more accepted among watchmakers as a welcome addition, to their equipment in making working conditions better. The better shops use this type of equipment, not only for watchmakers, but for all persons who sit down to do their work. It can be readily adjusted to fit the individual’s requirements.

BENCH LAMPS

Good light is important. The watchmaker’s bench should be placed as near to natural light as possible. North light is the most ideal. It is usually necessary to supplement the natural light with artificial light and there are many types of lamps for this purpose. A common gooseneck lamp with a round or oval reflector using about a 60 watt bulb is ideal. Another type is the fluorescent lamp which has been power corrected for watchmakers and is generally cooler.

BENCH PLATE

An auxiliary working surface of some sort of hard enamel is not recommended. The beginner can use a piece of Bristol board or any white paper which will lie flat.

CASE OPENERS

A – Case openers are used to pry open the front and back of snap type cases. They come in many shapes and styles. They can be made from a piece of flat steel which has a curved edge and ground to a dull knife edge. It should be hardened and tempered. The beginner can use the blade of a small knife.
B – A rubber suction grip type of case opener can be used to remove the back and bezel on screw type cases of pocket size. The beginner may substitute a piece of rubber such as a small piece of inner tube.
C – A waterproof case opener is usually a type of wrench used to remove screw-back waterproof cases. There are many types of backs, requiring a variety of wrenches. The illustrated opener has reversible tips, which will open most types of screw backs.

DOUBLE POLISHING CLOTH

This type of polishing cloth is comprised of an outer cloth, which keeps the hands clean when polishing metal, and an inner cloth which has been impregnated with rouge. It can be used to brighten all types of gold and silver jewelry, including the family silverware.