Welded Watch Stem

[bobm12]

Has anyone welded a watch stem to make it longer? I'm referring to the case where there is not enough thread left for screwing in an extender. I wonder if there is a way to weld the extender to secure it to the stem. Thank you in advance for procedures, advise and/or tools needed.

[Geo]

I have not welded a stem, but I have silver soldered one that had snapped off right at the bottom. I had to do this because I could no find a replacement.

It's pretty fiddly and I did have to make a fixture to hold the parts in correct alignment. Also yo will need a watchmakers lathe to turn off the excess and make a nice finish.

[bobm12]

Thanks Geo, much appreciated.

 

How do you silver solder? Do you use a soldering iron?

 

I've seen acetylene torches for jewelers, -- and also something that looks like a crème brule torch -- they seem very small but mimicking the real thing. I thought some of those might have to be used because of the type of metal. But then, I don't know much about welding, soldering or anything related other than a bunch of theory learned when I was in school -- ancient stuff -- and the regular tin solder for electrical components and such...not too involved, not even electronic components/circuits. I believe, as far as soldering and such is concerned, my clock stopped in the '70s!!

[Geo]

Hi Bob.

Using silver solder is similar to brazing, but uses a lot less heat. You will need a micro torch, silver solder and flux. When silver soldering I wear clear goggles rather than green to prevent me overheating the work.

1) First make a fixture or use small clamps to keep the parts in alignment, but also ensure that they hold the work in such a way that they don't create a massive heat sink.

2) Align the parts carefully and secure tightly.

3) Apply some flux where the parts are to be joined.

4) Heat parts to dull cherry red.

5) Using a very thin piece of silver solder, touch the joint. The solder should ideally melt from the contained within the work, but due to its size may require just the slightest heat from the torch at this point.

6) Allow to cool and finish off as required.

If you have not done any brazing or silver soldering before, I would suggest taking the parts to a competent jeweller to have done.

[WillFly]

The only solder I've worked with has been that for electrical joints, which seems relatively soft. Presumably silver solder is much tougher if it can be used for such things as watch bars, winding stems, etc.?

[Geo]

Yes Will, it is extremely hard compared with the solder you are familiar with. Jewellers use it frequently, and high tensile steel racing push bike frames are used to be held together with it.

[bobm12]

Great instructions Geo, thank you, really appreciated. I will try to do it myself...there is always a first time! I first have to order the materials which might take a couple of weeks. Thanks again!

 

Bob

[Geo]

Make sure you practice on a few test pieces first!

If you have access to a watchmakers lathe, it's a good idea to square off the broken end of the stem without the thread, but remove only the least amount of material possible to get a square surface.

Now drill a small hole about 1 - 2mm deep in the end you have just machined. Get another stem with the same thread as the broken one and cut off the threaded section. Turn the end of this down to the same diameter of the hole that you drilled in the original part.

These two parts should slip together and help keep alignment when you clamp the parts for silver soldering.

I wish you the best of luck!

[bobm12]

Thanks Geo, I'll do it that way. Gosh! I'm very impatient now to start. Hope the materials won't take too long to arrive. I'll be ordering in a few minutes.

[anilv]

Hi Bob,

 

You also need to find out why it snapped in the first place..

 

Rust?...make sure surface is free of any rust before soldering.

 

Hard to wind/set? ... if you don't solve thisthen chances it may happen again..

 

HTH

Anil

[Geo]

Good points Anil, especially regarding the cleanliness.

Where have you been hiding lately?

[bobm12]

Thank you Anil, I'll check that too!

[anilv]

been hiding...!

 

but really, my work does not allow me as much time for my hobby as I would like.. I know its unbelievable in this day and age but I travel fequently (internationally) and my internet access is dependant on the hotel ;-(. Data plans which work in several countries are too expensive and potentially very expensive.

 

I work as a loadmaster for cargo aircraft, watches fill the time between contracts!

 

Anil

[emso]

Wrong thread sorry

p.s: sent from my s****y phone so sorry for typing mistakes

Edited September 24, 2014 by emso

[bobm12]

Of course it is not the wrong thread, come on in! :)