Learning, Precision, and a Break for Creativity

It’s been a busy time recently as I’ve been diving into the world of milling and machining parts—something totally new to me! The process of learning about micro-precision and bridging the gap between software designs and real-world results has been both challenging and fascinating. Every step feels like uncovering a new layer of possibilities. 😊

But today, I’m excited to take a break from the technical learning and focus on something creative: the winding mechanism. It’s time to work on the stem, bridge, and the two wheels and pinions that bring the mechanism to life. There’s something deeply satisfying about switching gears and immersing myself in the intricate details of watchmaking.

I’ll share updates on how it progresses and how all these elements come together. For now, it’s just great to get back to designing and building components with precision and care. Stay tuned!

This is of course all WIP 😊

First G-Code: Bringing Designs to Life

Apologies for the silence lately! It’s been a challenging few days as I’ve been familiarizing myself with the NSCNC Elara and recovering from a stomach virus. Thankfully, I’m back on my feet and excited to share a major milestone—I wrote my first G-code manually! 🎉

Instead of relying on CAM software, I decided to create the G-code in a text file from scratch, with the guidance of ChatGPT. This hands-on approach helped me truly understand the fundamentals of CNC programming. My test involved milling a simple pattern in wax, a forgiving material perfect for beginners.

Here’s the G-code I wrote, complete with comments to explain each line:

The Elara, equipped with the E3000 controller and 3060 AQC spindle, executed the code perfectly. Watching the machine follow my instructions precisely was an incredibly rewarding experience! 😊

This exercise deepened my understanding of G-code and CNC operations, making me more confident about tackling more complex projects in the future. I’ll continue refining my skills and moving toward intricate designs for the watch components.

Thank you for your patience during this brief hiatus—stay tuned for more updates as the journey unfolds!

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First Tests with the NSCNC Elara: Wax Milling Adventures!

The day has finally come—my first tests with the NSCNC Elara are underway, and I couldn’t be more excited! 🎉 This is my very first experience with milling, and I decided to start with wax as the material for these initial tests.

The Elara is an absolute marvel to work with. Even as a complete beginner, I’m amazed at how intuitive the setup feels and how precise the machine operates. Watching the spindle carve through the wax with precision is an experience like no other. 😊

While I’m still learning the ropes, this first test has been incredibly encouraging. Wax is a forgiving material to work with, which makes it the perfect starting point for understanding the machine’s capabilities and refining my technique.

I can already see how this machine will open up countless possibilities for creating intricate watch components. These early steps are just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey!

Stay tuned as I continue exploring, learning, and sharing updates from these exciting first days with the Elara. 🚀

Blueing Metal Test: First Experiments

Today, I embarked on my first test in blueing metal, and it was an exciting learning experience! I started with O-1 steel in 1/16" thickness, which I sourced recently. (I’m still on the hunt for W-1 steel, so I’ll test that once I manage to find a reliable supplier.)

For this experiment, I also put my new Evenheat KH Series 13.5" oven to work, and with the guidance of ChatGPT, I developed the following steps for the process:

• Step 1: Ramp rate: 300°C, Setpoint: 300°C, Hold time: 10 minutes
• Step 2: Ramp rate: 137.38°C, Setpoint: 300°C, Hold time: 18 minutes
• Step 3: Ramp rate: AFAP (as fast as possible), Setpoint: 150°C, Hold time: 45 minutes

The results? To my surprise, they turned out better than expected! 🎉

The steel developed a beautiful, uniform blue finish that exceeded my initial hopes for this experiment. This was a great first step toward mastering the blueing process for watch components, and I’m eager to refine the technique further. 😊

Stay tuned as I continue testing with different materials and tweaking the steps. If you have any tips or insights, I’d love to hear them!

Cool! 😊

The Elara 2 Has Arrived: A World of Possibilities!

I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Elara 2 machine! 🎉 This advanced 4-axis CNC mill, equipped with the E3000 controller and the 3060 AQC spindle, is set to revolutionize our production capabilities. 😊

The Elara 2 boasts a redesigned frame for enhanced stability and durability, along with an updated control system for more intuitive operation. This precision powerhouse allows for unparalleled accuracy, making it perfect for crafting intricate components for watchmaking.

With the E3000 controller and 3060 AQC spindle, the machine is capable of handling a variety of materials, from soft metals like brass and gold to tougher materials like stainless steel and titanium. Its 4-axis capabilities open the door to complex geometries and unique designs, making it ideal for producing one-of-a-kind timepieces or restoring hard-to-find parts.

Another highlight is the Elara 2's compatibility with high-precision workpiece holders, such as the MaxxMacro system, ensuring every detail is machined with meticulous accuracy. I’m particularly excited to see how it performs on delicate parts like gears, bridges, and even custom decorative elements.

The possibilities feel endless, and I can’t wait to put this machine to work. That said… there’s a catch. It turns out I need an air compressor to run the spindle properly, and I don’t have one yet. 😅

So, while the Elara 2 is here and ready to go, I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect air compressor to unlock its full potential. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share—I could use the help! 😊

Stay tuned as I sort this out and get the machine up and running. Here’s to precision, innovation, and, hopefully, finding an air compressor soon! 🎉

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Exploring KIF and Securing the Wheels

I’ve heard great things about KIF systems, so I decided to dive in and do some hands-on investigation. After some research, I went ahead and implemented two models: the 9131-5903 (Sous, for the dial side) and the 9131-5904 (Sus, for the plate side). These components are known for their excellent shock absorption, and I’m excited to see how they perform in the movement design.

While working on this, I also noticed one of the wheels felt a bit insecure. To address that, I added an additional leg to give it more stability. It’s always rewarding to spot potential weak points early and strengthen them before they become an issue later on. 😊

With these updates, the movement is feeling more robust and ready to take on its next challenges. As always, learning and iterating is part of the fun—stay tuned for more progress soon!

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Fixing Yesterday's Rookie Mistake

Remember the little mishap I mentioned yesterday, where the barrel ended up on the opposite side of the stem position? 😅 Well, I’m happy to report that it’s all fixed now! 🎉

Thanks to Fusion 360’s joint system, repositioning the train of wheels and moving the barrel to the correct side was straightforward. It’s one of those moments where I’m grateful for modern tools making the process so much smoother than it could have been. 😊

This fix was a great reminder that every mistake—no matter how rookie—is an opportunity to learn and refine the process. With everything now back in place, I can confidently move forward with the plates and winding mechanism. Onward to the next challenge!

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Rookie Mistake on the Plates

I started working on the plates today to prepare for the winding mechanism, but... I made a rookie mistake! 😅 The barrel ended up on the opposite side of the stem position—oops! 😂

Thankfully, Fusion 360’s joint system saved the day. All I need to do is reposition the train and move the barrel to the correct side. That’s inexperience for you, folks! Hehe, every mistake is just another step in the learning process.

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Progress Update: Jewel Placement on fourth wheel

Today, I made a few adjustments to the watch’s tree structure and set the jewel in place for the fourth wheel. It was a straightforward, productive day—sometimes, the simplest tasks bring the most satisfaction!

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Progress Update: Adjustments and Jewel Placement

Today, I discovered that my mainspring barrel was a bit oversized, actually protruding through the case. 🔍 This meant I needed to rearrange the positioning of the wheels to make everything fit properly—fingers crossed, they won’t end up too tight!

On a positive note, it looks like I’ll be able to use the same type of jewels for the center, third, and fourth wheels, which simplifies things nicely. 😊

Today, I added jewels to the third wheel, and tomorrow, I’ll continue with the fourth. I’ll also begin planning the bridges and plates, bringing the design another step closer to completion.

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