OUCH !

[Graham]

Now I know this is my own fault, but I bet I'm not the only one that's done this.
The first warning I had was when removing this Enfield chime train monster from its barrel.
That's when it bit me and I was very lucky not to have received a far more serious injury.
The second warning was when trying to put it back by hand and although I have done many mainsprings this way and thought I could handle it, this one got the better of me.
Half way through it became totally uncontrollable and very scary:o
I just about managed to take it back out again and had to have a sit down with a fag and a cuppa to calm down.
After staring at the dam thing for a while I gave in and ordered a new winder from M&P.
Well when it arrived I couldn't wait to try it out and within 10 mins of having read the instructions the monster was tamed and securely locked back in its barrel.
So to anyone that does these springs by hand and has got away with it so far I wish you good luck??? Me I'm never going to do that again.

[Joseph Bautsch]

Graham - Amen to that.

[John Nagle]

I never liked that winder because the work is so far away from the main frame.

[Graham]

I never liked that winder because the work is so far away from the main frame.

Hi John,
Well it was either this one or a Bergeon winder at over £400.00 and for a hobbyist and part time repair man, the M&P one at just under £140 inc P&P seems a lot better than losing a finger:o

[Joseph Bautsch]

Graham - I also have one with the "long arm". I like it better because the main frame does not get in the way of what you're doing. In any case if it works it works. Mine is so old it uses Allen screws to lock the winding arbor in place. I've thought about installing a square arbor chuck but have never gotten around to it. Too many clocks to work on.

[Graham]

Joseph,
Old doesn't mean bad (usually quite the opposite) I should know as I am. And as you say if it works it works.

[Ken Knox]

Graham,

I have used a winder like yours for many years. You still have to be careful and use a glove because the springs can slide to the side and make a big twisted mess !!:o

Your winder looks like it has been upgraded from my older version. What is the fixture in the picture just to the left of your winder? I might need to get one.

Kenny

[Graham]

Hi Kenny,

If your looking at the part I think you are, its for supporting the outer end of the arbour for additional stability. You don't have to use it but if your winding a strong spring it is a very good idea as it takes a lot of the strain off the chuck end.

And yes the first time I tried it I found that if the end hole hook wasn't lined up exactly in line with the spring there was a tendency for the coils to twist. But lined up properly all went well.

[Bryan Prindle]

Graham:

I'm going to respond to this thread if for no other reason than to see how posting now works. ??? However, where were your gloves dude?

I got "bit" :o once when I got careless and didn't have my gloves on. It really hurt; and it took several weeks for the pain to go away. Now, I ALWAYS wear them when working with mainsprings.

Let this be a lesson to all you green beans, we're not kidding, put those glove on!

Bryan Prindle

That wasn't too bad...

[Graham]

Bryan,
I Know I Know.
You are absolutely right. Its one of those "it will never happen to me things" and I bet there are plenty of others out there who don't put on the gloves. But I also bet they wont admit it.

[leeinv66]

I will admit it Graham, I don't wear gloves (ever):o. Have I been bitten? Yep, more times than I care to remember. But for me, it's a risk I take because I just can't stand the lack of feel you get when wearing gloves. That and I like to live dangerously:D.

[Graham]

Yes. A bit like a condom!
Well from what I can remember anyway :devil:

[leeinv66]

So that's how I ended up with three kids:D!

Cheers
Peter

[Tony Ambruso]

I knew guys that swore by that winder. I couldn't see it and got used to the Keystone. I use the Keystone and haven't gotten hurt by it yet, but I am very leery of springs under tension that are not completely restrained.

That being said, I know a few who do not use them at all! I've always wanted to be listed as a beneficiary on their policies..)

[harold bain]

Graham, nothing wrong with your Webster. I have had one for years now, and it does everything I need it to do. And anyone without a few battle scars from mainsprings is still washing his movements assembled, or only works on quartz clocks:(:D
Harold

[Stormy]

Graham - I also have one with the "long arm". I like it better because the main frame does not get in the way of what you're doing. In any case if it works it works. Mine is so old it uses Allen screws to lock the winding arbor in place. I've thought about installing a square arbor chuck but have never gotten around to it. Too many clocks to work on.

Go to any local wood working store that sells GOOD wood working tools, and buy the replacement screws with a permament knob that you can get a good grip on.

Stormy

[Graham]

Graham, nothing wrong with your Webster. I have had one for years now, and it does everything I need it to do. And anyone without a few battle scars from mainsprings is still washing his movements assembled, or only works on quartz clocks:(:D
Harold

Thanks Harold,
I like your new avatar. But dont you have trouble holding clock parts with your paws.

[Joseph Bautsch]

Stormy - If I did that I would not be able to get the spring retainer selves over the knobs and into the barrel. The best solution is to install a chuck. I've just been to lazy to get-er-done.