Converting spring bars to fixed bars. Laser Weld, Silver Solder or something else?

Afternoon,

I'm looking for a bit of advice for an airbrained project I have somehow talked myself into contemplating :hopelessness:

Does anyone know how easy it would be to convert a case with drilled lugs (to take spring bars) to fixed bars? I would also like the lug holes 'welded' akin to that of the infamous Rolex Milsub. I don't want a perfect job and would actually like to see where the holes have been filled (I assume something like silver solder may work but I have no knowledge of this type of thing!!). I'm also happy if the case sides to be refinished / aged to some extent.

Does anyone know if this is possible and more to the point anyone who specialises in case work that would be willing to take something like this on without breaking the bank?

Thanks!
R

Interesting idea. Anything is possible! I imagine, but I’m sure someone will chime in and correct me if I’m wrong, that the ‘fixed bars’ are actually a sleeve around a thinner bar, which is the same diameter as the lugs holes and is welded (or soldered) into place, if that makes sense.


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I think you need a thick (1.5 or 2.0mm) spring bar without shoulder, which you insert and then weld. Cousins or Walsh should have it. Like this:

Attachment 18090

I had a small laser weld job done on a bracelet some years ago by a Watford based jewellers:

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...=laser+welding

Brilliant thanks for all the insight / suggestions gents. I was considering using the Rolex type bars, however I have no idea about stainless steel welding so that would need to be a job for an expert.

I may have an avenue to getting this done but I'll definitely keep Tompkins Jewellers in memory in case it fails to materialise or works out too expensive.

R

Try thewatchdealer , they do this type of thing . Good luck

Really cannot see the point in this! If the OP wants to lose the appearance of drilled lugs its possible to laser weld the holes on the outside but leave them on the inside.

Thanks. As I said it's a bit of an airbrained idea but I guess it's each to their own and what pleases one will not please another. Not that I need to justify but I have a WMT milsub homage that doesn't have fixed bars and I'd like them over the spring bars.

I'm not looking for a 'perfect' job quite the opposite in fact as I'd like to see the 'repair' on the outside of the lugs else I'd just end up with a case with no drilled lugs.

Here’s a mad idea, have a look into JB Weld, a metallic epoxy resin, you could fit shoulderless spring bars then fill the drilled lug holds with it, this would hold the bar in place and when dried you should be able to sand off the excess with a fine emory paper and it would leave a discoloured spot over the hole.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JasonM

Here’s a mad idea, have a look into JB Weld, a metallic epoxy resin, you could fit shoulderless spring bars then fill the drilled lug holds with it, this would hold the bar in place and when dried you should be able to sand off the excess with a fine emory paper and it would leave a discoloured spot over the hole.

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Woooooahhhhha now that may just be a little to Heath Robinson, even for me. Saying that for the cost of some JB Weld and time with a donor case I may just give it a try and see what the results are like. I have a feeling the colour may be a little dark for a SS case but you never know. :dontknow:

How about filling the spring bar holes by using a 'cold solder' or 'low-temperature solder' process.

Terry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JasonM

Here’s a mad idea, have a look into JB Weld, a metallic epoxy resin, you could fit shoulderless spring bars then fill the drilled lug holds with it, this would hold the bar in place and when dried you should be able to sand off the excess with a fine emory paper and it would leave a discoloured spot over the hole.

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So .... here are the results. To be honest if it was a better colour match to the steel it may just pass as a DIY job [emoji23]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6b4cba884c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...33cbd8ef01.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...88cf8444ae.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...90e9420a5c.jpg


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Madness.

At least you tried :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by clemenry

Thanks. As I said it's a bit of an airbrained idea but I guess it's each to their own and what pleases one will not please another. Not that I need to justify but I have a WMT milsub homage that doesn't have fixed bars and I'd like them over the spring bars.

I'm not looking for a 'perfect' job quite the opposite in fact as I'd like to see the 'repair' on the outside of the lugs else I'd just end up with a case with no drilled lugs.

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FWIW, it’s Harebrained, not airbrained.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by clemenry

So .... here are the results. To be honest if it was a better colour match to the steel it may just pass as a DIY job [emoji23]




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Maybe you could mix silver paint with the epoxy?