Staking tool with- or without-base?

[Endeavor]

Hello All;

I'm looking at a "Helios" staking set on the Bay. According to the seller, all punches are open/free. I probably could get it for slightly above €200, but I now start to doubt whether I should look for a set with a base, so I can use the punches from the top & bottom?

I've also no idea who "Helios" is, seems German; any good?

What's your advise please?

 

Edited November 2, 2022 by Endeavor

[watchweasol]

looks like a good set all the punches and stumps are there Some makes had bases others did not.  I would think a base could be made for the set to enable the punches to fit in the tool.

[Jon]

It's nice to be able to use the tool as an 'inverto' with the stakes doubling up as an anvil, but I wouldn't get too hung up on it. There's a good selection of stakes and anvils there. Make sure the width of the stakes are a universal size of 4.7 mm, as I've got a staking set that are 5 mm and only for that set. Where the others, such as Favourite, K and D and Gesco are all 4.7 mm

I rarely use anything other than a dedicated anvil with my inverto, but I do have a huge selection of them.

[Klassiker]

I have a Helios set very similar to that one, and the quality is very good. The stakes are dia. 4.7mm. To be honest though, I think you will be looking for an inverto-style anvil with a base to add to it before long, and for that money, it may be better to wait.

[Jon]

16 minutes ago, Klassiker said:

I have a Helios set very similar to that one, and the quality is very good. The stakes are dia. 4.7mm. To be honest though, I think you will be looking for an inverto-style anvil with a base to add to it before long, and for that money, it may be better to wait.

I think you're probably right, as spending a little more and maybe waiting until the right one comes along gives one more versatility to use the stakes as anvils, but I've always gone for what I can afford at the time and what suited my needs, then upgraded and sold the tool on. Watchmaker's tools in the last few years have doubled and tripled in price. I remember picking up watch cleaning machines for about £100 three years ago and now they're £400 to £500

[LittleWatchShop]

All of my sets are inverto, and I have used them in that mode, so yeah, I agree with the others...look for an inverto.

[Endeavor]

6 hours ago, Klassiker said:

I have a Helios set very similar to that one, and the quality is very good. The stakes are dia. 4.7mm. To be honest though, I think you will be looking for an inverto-style anvil with a base to add to it before long, and for that money, it may be better to wait.

My gut feeling told me about the same ...... but now confirmed

What would be a "nice" price for one with a base? Currently there is a Boley set with base on offer, however some parts missing;

https://www.ebay.de/itm/195445010669?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170511121231%26meid%3Dc934a1b51c05421caed8396b3b343061%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D195445010669%26itm%3D195445010669%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A267761b2-5b2c-11ed-b0d2-022742a279bc|parentrq%3A3ba65f411840a4b7123872b2fffcb5c4|iid%3A1

What would be a nice price with sellers both arms twisted ?

 

[Klassiker]

8 hours ago, Klassiker said:

it may be better to wait

I've changed my mind! Looking around at what is available now, the prices are much higher than I remembered, and for sets which are far less complete than this one. If that's the state of the market now, and you don't have a set at all, it might be a better idea to get this one, and look around for a bargain inverto-style anvil and base at your leisure. Or as watchweasol says, make your own base if you want to use the stakes upside down. You will not be disappointed with the quality of the Helios set, and with those stumps you can do a lot already. I would say it's a keeper, even if you add to it later.

[Endeavor]

After many years "circling around" a staking set, I finally bought the one above for €220 ex.shipping

In case I need something to add, CousinsUK seems to have a nice collection.

Now I can go "deeper" and do new endeavours, like reducing worn hole sizes and changing balance staffs .......

Thank you all for your advise

On 11/2/2022 at 11:00 PM, Jon said:

I've always gone for what I can afford at the time and what suited my needs

This was another consideration & @Klassiker change of mind ......

Seems a complete set and with some TLC, it may be just what I needed without braking the bank

 

 

 

Edited November 4, 2022 by Endeavor

[watchweasol]

Hi Endeavour,  well done (its only money), the hardest thing to get and easiest to get rid of.  Having the set will broaden your horizons. I have one without a base and not as complete as yours but it gets me through ok and never stopped me from fixing watches although a bit old to do balance work these days but still enjoy what I do and the clocks.  cheers.

[LittleWatchShop]

2 minutes ago, watchweasol said:

its only money

I have started writing a book entitled "How to Become a Millionaire in Watchmaking."

Spoiler alert: start with two million!

[watchweasol]

Hi LWS   this could be a bloody big book something like war and peace.   cheers

[Endeavor]

19 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

I have started writing a book entitled "How to Become a Millionaire in Watchmaking."

Huh ; wouldn't a more appropriate title be "From Millionaire to ruined with Watchmaking" ?

Perhaps I'm holding the wrong end of the stick?

Edited November 4, 2022 by Endeavor