closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Results 1 to 16 of 16

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

  1. #1

    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

    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

  2. #2
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,935
    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Master Franco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    South Yorkshire
    Posts
    1,359
    Blog Entries
    1
    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:

    4CC124E4-E3B9-4F0E-83FA-815D006CEA4A.jpeg

  4. #4
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,145
    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
    Cheers..
    Jase

  5. #5
    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

  6. #6
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    London
    Posts
    675
    Try thewatchdealer , they do this type of thing . Good luck

  7. #7
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Wakefield, West Yorkshire
    Posts
    22,498
    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.

  8. #8
    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.

  9. #9
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,145
    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.
    Cheers..
    Jase

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by JasonM View Post
    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.
    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.

  11. #11
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Perth, Western Australia
    Posts
    722
    How about filling the spring bar holes by using a 'cold solder' or 'low-temperature solder' process.

    Terry
    Last edited by Terry; 20th January 2021 at 16:30.

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by JasonM View Post
    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.
    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










    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  13. #13
    Madness.

  14. #14
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,145
    At least you tried :-)
    Cheers..
    Jase

  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by clemenry View Post
    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.
    FWIW, it’s Harebrained, not airbrained.

  16. #16
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,145
    Quote Originally Posted by clemenry View Post
    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




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Maybe you could mix silver paint with the epoxy?
    Cheers..
    Jase

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information