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There's a watch auction tomorrow (17th April 2014) - http://www.twgaze.co.uk - lots include some modelmakers' lathes and other equipment. Just a heads-up...

Hi Will, Plus Gas is not a rust remover or proper lubricant. It is a very fine fluids that is designed to slowly work it's way into screw threads that are seized. I have used it for years when working on old motorcycles and cars. It works best if you can either submerge the item if is small like a watch movement, or if it is large, form a small dam of plasticine around the offending nut or shaft then flood with Plus Gas. It also comes in spay form for these hard to reach parts. Regarding cleaning, it will to a degree but not what I would recommend using it for. It does not remove rust, it only allows the rusty bond to break easier. It is excellent, but occasionally other methods have to be employed. briefly: Plus Gas...........Release Agent WD40................Water Displacement Agent Oil......................Lubricant

It's a mixed bag. I've used eBay to buy and sell mainly, but not totally, watches, and I've also used The Saleroom - http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb - which is an online live auction house facility. They have their pros and cons. Local Auctions If they're local and you can travel, they can be good. You can inspect the goods before bidding, talk to the auction room staff, and there are no postage costs - just travel costs. Buyer's commission can be high - my local house charges 22% buyer's commission and VAT on the commission itself. Other houses charge anything from 15% upwards. Online live auctions With the exception of one or two auction houses which specialise in watches - like Fellows (Birmingham), you get very little description of the goods - far less than the best eBay sellers. So, to be sure, you have to email for a condition report, which might be useful or not. I usually ask, "As far as you can tell, does the watch (1) wind (2) set (3) run?" You pay the same commission as being there, plus - if you use The Saleroom - another 3% of the selling price for the privilege of bidding online, plus the postage and packing costs, which will never be less than around £15. So - modified rapture - but I've picked up some bargains over the years. eBay I always look for auction lots - rarely buy-it-now lots, unless there's a "best offer" attached - and I always look for lots with a sound description and good photos, where possible. I avoid auctions with "Private bid" bidding lists, because I don't trust them. I set my filters to (1) UK only (2) hand-wound movements and (3) Time: ending soonest - and sit back and see what I get! The eBay buyer's commission is nil - much better than any auction house - and postage costs for watches are much less, on the whole. As long as you're careful, have some idea of what you're really after, and always remember: Caveat Emptor - Let The Buyer Beware - you can get some bargains. The lovely Oris wristwatch I got recently - working beautifully and looking gorgeous in its new strap - was just £26. That's a snip for a watch of this quality. Just my 10-penn'orth! I think you have to define what you want in your collection - and then take your time and look carefully.

I wish you well with your idea. If you go ahead with this and the tip of the stem is rusted into the plate you may never get it out unless by drilling, and that would require a carbide drill and some sort of drill guide to stabilise the drill. What I would suggest is to completely strip the movement then submerge it in some Plus Gas for about a week before going any further. After a week with the movement still in the small jar of Plus Gas, to give it a good couple of blasts in the ultrasonic cleaner. Also try heating it in a pan of boiling water before gentle persuasion. If you do this you may just get things to move before carrying out you major surgery. Here's a link for Plus Gas, it's the best release agent I've ever used. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plus-Gas-Lubricant-Spout-Tin-/360697911631?pt=UK_Crafts_Cardmaking_Scrapbooking_Glue_Tape_EH&var=&hash=item53fb45594f