Mark Butterworth
New Member
Group: Members
Posts: 2
Joined: Mar 1, 2010
|
I am interested in hearing preferences on these systems and why. Also, bronze vs. brass. Finally the value of using jewels in the higher train wheels in clocks.
Thanks in advance
|
|
| Posted Mar 7, 2010, 7:34 pm |
|
|
|
LaBounty
Newbie
Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: Jul 7, 2005
|
Hey Mark-
Great topic!
I use all three systems but the majority of my bushings are the American system. I use KWM bushings where an American size isn't available and Bergeon bushings when there is a specific size demand (either over or under, KWM sizes).
Here's what I see as pro's and con's of each...
American System: Good quality and less expensive than other bushing systems. Uses the KWM size reamers and bushing dimensions. This system doesn't have quite the range of sizes as the other systems but special needs can be filled in with KWM bushings. This is the most economical system for those of us in the United States.
KWM System: High quality and a wide range of sizes. Slightly more expensive than the American System.
Bergeon System: Very high quality bushings and reamers. This system has the broadest range of outside diameters which enables the craftsman to remove as little plate material as possible. This system requires its own set of reamers and isn't compatible with KWM reamers. Bergeon bushings are more expensive than other systems.
Bronze vs. Brass: I used bronze bushings for the 2nd wheels when restoring modern German movements but, now that I repivot plated 2nd wheels, haven't seen a need for them. The brass works just fine provided the pivot finish is satisfactory.
Jewels: These will certainly give the greatest longevity but I shy away from installing jewels in a movement which didn't originally come with them. In my mind, this would cross the line of what the manufacturer had intended. Longevity needs to be balanced with historical ethics and, while I feel repivoting is ethical, jeweling an un-jeweled movement might not fall in the same category. It will certainly spark a debate! So, installing jewels in the higher train wheels has no historical value but will make the movement wear longer.
Hope that helps!
|
.........................
David
AWIC Life Member
www.abouttiime-clockmaking.com
|
| Posted Mar 8, 2010, 6:30 pm |
|
|
|
Bill Bassett
New Member
Group: Members
Posts: 2
Joined: Jul 24, 2010
|
To jewel or not is a question for customers to answer. My customer satisfaction has improved once I realized that we are in the business of restoring memories. If you ask a customer whether they prefer longevity and reliability v.s. authenticity, the answers seem to split about 50-50. For example, this question arises often when the decision is to replace cuckoo bellows with leather or synthetic material. The overriding ethic should be to inform customers of the available alternatives and then abide by customers' wishes.
|
|
| Posted Jul 31, 2010, 6:50 pm |
|
|
|
