SETTING UP THE WORK AREA

Your work space should be an area that is as free as possible from dust and dirt. The small parts in a watch are very susceptible to dust and dirt. Try to select an area that is well lit. When you are just starting a kitchen table or one of similar height may be OK as you begin but you will soon find that it is too low to work at comfortably for any length of time. A small bench can be added to the top of a regular height table (something like a flat footstool). This is only a temporary measure for those who have limited space. The ideal height of the work area for most people is about 38". This may seem high at first when you sit in a standard chair, but assuming you are of averaged height it is correct. Remember you will often be using a loupe that will have you within inches of your work. It you are fortunate enough to the able to afford a genuine watchmakers bench you will find it makes working much more enjoyable as you have quite a few drawers for convenient storage for your tools and supplies. There is also a unique feature to a watchmaker’s workbench. It is a small four sided drawer that is in the center of the work area under the bench and slides out like a lower drawer. The sides being only about three-quarters of an inch high but the bottom is generally a cloth type material. This drawer is pulled out into your lap. Its purpose is to catch any small parts that may fall. Trust me you will be dropping small parts. I tell my wife when I'm on the floor on my hands and knees looking for a part ”I'm assuming the watchmakers position" this remark will take on new meaning as you are learning. Speaking of falling parts it is important to have a smooth clean floor. It is almost impossible to find small parts that are on a rug. If you must work over a rug I like suggest you put down a large piece of plastic. On my bench I like a mat of the type that is made of flexible plastic designed to the cut on. This type of mat is available in stationery stores and sewing centers and makes a suitable work surface. The color should be as light as possible this makes small parts easier to see. As an alternative you may want to use a piece of glass with a white piece of cloth or paper under it.