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The Visitor 3
Flexibility of Automatics
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Another aspect, which comes as a surprise to those more familiar
with the usual workshop lathe, is the flexibility of production
available from automatic lathes. Their basic design enables them
to produce an enormous variety of turned parts: in fact, anything
called for in watch production. In addition, they can also cut
internal and external threads form flats and slots, and even
tackle undercutting and freak jobs, apparently with the same
speed and precision with which they cope with their more ordinary
tasks. |
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Mr Wyndham Reynolds, linesetter of Andre
Bechler Automatic Lathes(foreground), and (in the background)
Mr David Jenkins of Petermann 4 and Wickman 7/16" Automatic
Lathes |
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The main output of the automatic shop is of such components as
pinion blanks, staffs, barrel arbors, barrels, pillars, stems
and so on, and the quality of turning, as well as the high speed,
is remarkable. The Gurnos Works produces pin-pallet movements,
and their components present their own special machining problems,
but the ever useful automatic can deal with every turned part
required. One of the most interesting is the production of winding
buttons from knurled or, rather, splined brass rod. Turning back,
recessing, threading, finishing and parting off from the rod
are carried out in seconds, and the buttons straight from the
tool would not disgrace any watch. |
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One group of automatics seems to be engaged tirelessly producing
nothing! No components appear to be resulting from their efforts,
but they are, in fact, making the tiny pins used to hairspring
pinning and similar processes, and the pins are so minute that
they fall with the turning swarf into a small container and are
sorted out afterwards. |
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There are 7 pages on the visit in 1962.
Use the box links below to see the other pages |
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