Jacot Tool

[Mike Kearney]

New toy time. I wanted to share a picture of my new Jacot tool. It hasn't arrived yet, and I'm sure I paid too much, but judging by the picture, I'm hoping I'll be able to get some use out of it. It looks remarkably like the model illustrated in Fried's "Watch Repairer's Manual". Steve, do you use one of these in your work? Wynter, how many of these do you own? http://www.netstorm.net/~armillary/jacot1.jpg

Regards,
Mike

[Mike Kearney]

New toy time. I wanted to share a picture of my new Jacot tool. It hasn't arrived yet, and I'm sure I paid too much, but judging by the picture, I'm hoping I'll be able to get some use out of it. It looks remarkably like the model illustrated in Fried's "Watch Repairer's Manual". Steve, do you use one of these in your work? Wynter, how many of these do you own? http://www.netstorm.net/~armillary/jacot1.jpg

Regards,
Mike

[Steve Maddox]

Mike,

That's a great looking antique Jacot tool! I've always wanted one of those, though I suppose not enough to step up and pay for one!

Several months ago, a fellow named Ron Horvath posted a message here saying that he had some watchmaker's tools that had belonged to his father, and that he wanted to donate them to some person or persons who'd use them. I replied and offered to assist him in any way possible, and at length, he shipped me two boxes of stuff, which I passed along to the horological students in the WOSTEP (Watchmaker's of Switzerland Technical Education Program) program at OSU. I think there's going to be a note about this in an upcoming "Bulletin," perhaps in the "Chapter News" section.

In any event, among the stuff Ron sent, was a relatively modern (1950s vintage) Jacot tool. I can't recall for sure, but I think it was a C&E Marshall. It was in a white plastic box, similar to the purple (and sometimes green) ones that bracelet mainspring winders used to come in. I thought it was neat, and had never had one, but one of Ron's requests was that the tools go to people who'd actually use them, and since I knew I wouldn't, I passed it on.

I think I've mentioned this here before, but I have a little personal rule relating to antique tools: If it requires a bow to operate, it's better suited for a museum than in actual use today.

Instead of a real Jacot tool, I have a little machine called a "Pivot Master" (made by Watch Master), which is, in effect, a dedicated "power Jacot tool." That's what I normally use when I have a job requiring one, but I also have a Boley "High Precision" lathe outfit (like the one shown in the back of many Bestfit #111A, Part 2, catalogs, on page 92), which has attachments that allow it to be used as a "power Jacot tool" as well.

In short, while I have an appreciation for the "antique type" tools, I prefer to use the "powered type" because I can operate them with greater precision and stability, and since they turn in just one direction, I feel they do a better job on the pivots.

------------------
Steve Maddox
VP, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas

[wynter]

Mike Now what would make you think I've got any Jacot tools? :smile: I'm down to 2, I had maybe 5 or 6 of them and with my recent sorting things out all but 2 went away. The bow that came with your's looks very nice.

Steve Hand or foot power all the way! :wink:

Wynter

[Lyle A. Waisman]

I've got a spare Steiner Jacot that I may be getting rid of soon, feel free to contact me...

Steve-

Information on these tools and their final disposition would be great for the 173 Horological Tool Chapter newsletter as well.

In fact, I would hope that everyone in this forum could help the newsletter. There are a great deal of pictures in our newsletters, but little content. Somebody out there must be doing SOME tool research--we offer a forum for publishing, and would love to share it with the other tool enthusiasts.

[Julian Smith]

Hi,Folks,
All those Jacot lathes aren't antiques.I was sold a Steiner in 1959 when I was in school.I haven't used it much.it is reposing in my tool display counter in my shop.
J Smith

[4thdimension]

I own a sweet one. My Jacot is cool because the string is spring loaded out of the bed.
Very convenient.
Steve,
No bow, but still the back and forth. Still, it's hi-grade equipment. Good watchmakers would've given a bunch to own it not too many years back. Turn-of-the-century
state of the art is the cat's pajamas.
-Cort

[Greg Crockett]

I have no problem with bow power. Long ago, I needed a wood lathe to make some parts for an antique chair. But as a young man with a small work area and a small budget, it was out of the question. However, after reading about the watchmaker's turns I started thinking... So, I made a bow lathe. It was a simple set-up consisting of two wood blocks attached to the edge of my work bench to hold the centers and a chair back for the tool rest. I used thin rope and a bamboo rod for a bow. It was amazing how fast that thing worked and the fine results achieved.

With respect for the bow lathe established, I did not hesitate to buy a Jacot and put it to use. The tool I use is rather modern looking with a mat-silver finish and plenty of runners. I'm not at home to look at it now, but the name on the tool is something like, "OBAMA PREZIZION". If anyone knows anything about this brand, I would like to know more about it.

Results with the Jacot are fast and accurate. The back and forth action is not really a problem at all. Of course, most of my work is done in an electric motor powered 8mm lathe. For a few things, the Jacot is superior to most motor powered lathes. For example, I can take a balance unit w/hair spring attached and accurately and safely polish the pivots in my Jacot. While I have balloon chucks for this, they are not quite as accurate as dead centers, nor as fast.

I suggest people get to know Jacot tools, they are fun to use and produce fine results.

[Steve Maddox]

Phil,

A Jacot tool is essentially a pivot polishing lathe, specifically designed for polishing and modifying the tiny pivots on the ends of balance staffs.

SM