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Title: Friction, Lubrication and the Lubricants in Horology
Author: William T. Lewis
Release Date: January 19, 2011 [eBook #35001]
Language: English
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FRICTION, LUBRICATION AND THE LUBRICANTS IN HOROLOGY.
by
W. T. LEWIS,
Prest. Philadelphia Horological Society.
Illustrated with Half-Tones and Drawings by the Author.
Chicago:
Geo. K. Hazlitt & Co.
1896.
Copyrighted 1896, by W. T. Lewis.
Copyrighted 1896, by Geo. K. Hazlitt & Co.
CONTENTS.
Page.
INTRODUCTION, 7
CHAPTER I.
Lubricants in Horology--their Source and Methods of Refinement, 9
CHAPTER II.
Elementary Physics Relating to Friction and Lubrication, 21
CHAPTER III.
Friction--its Nature and Theory, 29
CHAPTER IV.
Application of the Laws of Friction and Lubrication in
Horology, 43
CHAPTER V.
The Properties and Relative Values of Lubricants in Horology, 61
INTRODUCTION.
Many books have been written on the various escapements, describing
their action, construction and proportion, and the laws governing the
same; learned writers have contributed much valuable information on
adjusting; excellent attachments for the various lathes have been
invented; and factories have expended fortunes to produce machinery of
wonderful construction to finish all the parts of a watch in the most
approved manner; but all this scientific research, all this painstaking
effort, all this care and labor, are rendered abortive by the maker or
repairer of a time piece if he does not thoroughly understand and apply
the physical laws which govern the science of lubrication.
Many a watch, or chronometer, most excellent in all other respects, has
come to an untimely end by an almost criminal neglect on the part of its
maker to provide against wear in its various parts by such construction
as would retain the oil at the places needed.
How often the repairer--clean he his work as well as he may--replace he
the broken or worn part to put the time piece in as good condition as
new--finds that its rate changes, that is loses time before long, and,
at the end of one year is badly out of repair, solely the result of
lack of knowledge, or negligence, in properly lubricating, or on account
of an oil having been used which was not suitable.
The object of this paper is to present in concise form the best of that
which is furnished by the literature of the profession, together with
that which has been written on friction and lubrication in general (so
far as it may be applicable), by those not connected with this
particular vocation; as well as the result of the practical experience
of the manufacturers of time pieces in this country most of whom have
furnished much useful data in answer to queries on the subject. The
manufacturers of oils have also assisted by contributing valuable
information.
The result of the author's experience, observation and experiments will
also be incorporated; and he will be grateful to any who may read this
work, who will call attention, through the trade papers, to any errors
of omission or commission that they may find therein.
CHAPTER I.
LUBRICANTS IN HOROLOGY--THEIR SOURCE AND METHOD OF REFINEMENT.
~1. As but little~ is to be found on the subject in the literature
accessible to most of the craft, a few remarks concerning the source and
general methods of refining the oils used in horology will, no doubt, be
of interest.
A mechanic who would work intelligently should possess a thorough
knowledge of the materials constantly used, and oil is used on every
horological mechanism. In order that this paper may be of maximum
benefit and interest, the author has spared no pains in procuring useful
data.
~2. Porpoise Jaw Oil and Black Fish Melon Oil~ (64) have become widely
known and justly celebrated in all parts of the world, as they were
found to be better adapted for the purpose of lubricating fine and
delicate machinery than any substance _previously_ used.
~3. Blackfish-Melon Oil~[1] "derives its name from the mass taken from the
top of the head of the animal reaching from the spout hole to the end of
the nose, and from the top of the head down to the upper jaw, from which
it is extracted. When taken off in one piece this mass represents a half
watermelon, weighing about twenty-five pounds ordinarily. When the
knife is put into the center of this melon the oil runs out more freely
than the water does from a very nice watermelon. Porpoise jaw oil and
blackfish melon oil are worth from $5 to $15 per gallon, according to
supply. They are not only used in horology, but by manufacturers of fine
firearms, philosophical apparatus, and in government lighthouses for the
clocks of revolving lights."
~4. The Blubber~, or fat, taken from the jaw of the porpoise or the head
of the blackfish was formerly rendered in iron pots over a fire, but the
modern method of extracting the oil by steam is said to be much
superior. The oil is washed with water by thorough agitation, after
which it is allowed to stand for several days, when it is drawn off and
the last traces of water removed by distillation. The oil is then
subjected to a very cold temperature and pressed through flannel cloths,
by which process the "oleine" is separated from the "stearine," the
resulting oil being more or less limpid as the former or latter
constituent predominates.
~5. John Wing~, of New Bedford, Mass., son-in-law of, and successor to,
the late Ezra Kelley, states in answer to inquiries, that their supply
of oil comes from the porpoise and blackfish taken during the summer
months on the coast of Africa, above the equator; and that they find
that this oil contains less glutinous matter than that obtained in and
about the St. Lawrence river, which fact he attributes to the difference
in the food of the fish, which in turn affects the oil.
~6. D. C. Stull~, of Provincetown, Mass., in answer to inquiries on the
subject, has kindly furnished the following information and series of
views:
[Illustration: _Fig. 1.--Buying a Porpoise from a Fisherman._]
"The supply of porpoise-jaw oil and blackfish-melon oil comes mostly
from Massachusetts Bay, the trap and gill net fishermen bringing them
into Provincetown, sometimes alive, as shown at Fig. 1. The capture of
fifteen hundred blackfish, Fig. 2, by the people of Provincetown, Truro
and Wellsfleet, was one of the most exciting scenes in the annals of
coast fishery. The fish were attracted to these shores by the large
quantity of squid and herring, on which they feed. It is estimated that
the catch was worth $25,000, some of the fish weighing two tons each.
The relative size of a blackfish and a man is shown at Fig. 3. Seafaring
men and whaling captains who catch the porpoise at sea, extract the oil
from the head and jaw only, and bring it to the factories to be
manufactured.
"Fig. 4 is a good view of a modern factory. The fat is cut from the head
and jaw, (Fig. 5,) washed in fresh water and put into covered tin cans,
then into iron retorts, (Fig. 6.) These retorts are then closed, screwed
up tightly, and live steam turned on from the boiler. The fat is cooked
by steam for five hours, with ten pounds pressure, at 230° F. By this
means the crude oil is extracted from the fat."
~7. Sperm Oil~ is the best known of all the lubricants and is, for general
purposes, one of the most excellent.
The large cavity in the head of the sperm whale contains oil and solid
fat, from which the former is separated, without heating, by pressure
and crystalization. As it is not at present used to any great extent in
horology, a more lengthy description of the method of refining will be
omitted. (65.)
~8. Bone Oil~ is made from the fat obtained by boiling the bones of
animals. The finest quality is obtained from the leg bones of recently
killed, healthy, young cattle, and the best method of treatment is given
as follows[2]:
"Fill a bottle one third full of the oil to be purified. Then pour
clarified benzine in small portions upon the oil, close the bottle and
shake until the benzine has disappeared. By again adding benzine and
shaking, a complete solution of the fat is finally effected. That this
has actually taken place is recognized by the contents of the bottle
not separating after long standing. The bottle is then exposed to a low
temperature for several hours, a solid fat deposits on the bottom, and
the lower the temperature the greater is the deposit. Alongside the
bottle containing the oil, place another bottle with a funnel, the lower
end of which is closed by a cotton stopper; after thoroughly shaking the
bottle with oil, pour the contents into the funnel; the fluid portion
runs into the bottle, while the solid portion is retained in the funnel
by the cotton stopper. The clear solution of bone oil in benzine
collected in the bottle is then brought into a small retort which is
connected with a thoroughly cooled receiver. Place the retort in a tin
vessel filled with water and apply heat. The benzine readily distills
off, leaving the purified bone oil in the retort." (66.)
~9. Neat's-foot Oil~ is largely used in the arts, being one of the best of
lubricants. The best oil, viz.: that used for clocks etc., is extracted
by placing the thoroughly cleaned feet of cattle in a covered vessel
near the fire or in the sun. The oil thus obtained is clarified by
standing before bottling. (67.)
It was the practice of many olden time watchmakers to allow a large
bottle of neat's-foot oil to stand in a position exposed to the direct
rays of the sun in summer and to the extreme cold of the winter. Then
after two or three years, on a very cold winter day, to pour off such
oil as still remained fluid which was preserved for use.
~10. Olive Oil~ has been used as a lubricant since the early days of
horology, the older writers giving many methods of treating it. It is
obtained from the fruit of the _Olea Europea_, one of the jasmines,
which grows throughout Southern Europe and Northern Africa and other
tropical countries.
[Illustration: _Fig. 2.--A $25,000 Catch of Blackfish._]
For the preparation of the finest oils, known as "Virgin oil," only the
pulp of olives picked by hand is used. The pulp is packed in strong
linen and the oil is expressed by twisting the linen together. The pulp
sometimes contains as high as 70 per cent of oil.
Its last traces of adhering acid are removed by rigorous and repeated
shaking with one hundredth part of their weight of caustic soda lye.
After the mixture has stood for several days a large quantity of water
is added and the oil floating on the top is poured off.
Though the oil is now free from acid, it still contains coloring matter
and other substances which would prove injurious. It is then mixed with
very strong alcohol, ten parts of the former to two of the latter, and
thoroughly mixed by shaking. The bottle containing the mixture is then
placed in the sun and the mixture shaken several times a day. In the
course of two or three weeks the oil will have become white as water,
when it is withdrawn from the alcohol, on the surface of which it
floats. The purified oil is placed in small bottles, tightly corked, and
kept in a dark, cool place. (68.)
[Illustration: _Fig. 3.--Relative Size of a Blackfish and Man._]
[Illustration: _Fig. 4.--D. C. Stull's Watch Oil Factory, Provincetown,
Mass._]
~11. Mineral Oils~ have of late years taken immense strides in the popular
and merited estimation of consumers, for general lubricating purposes.
Their application in horology will be discussed in another part of this
volume. They are obtained from the residuum of petroleum distillation,
and vary so greatly in their properties that many of them are not
applicable to delicate mechanism; but as the lighter varieties seem to
fulfill all the necessary conditions, the writer will here consider
their source and method of treatment.
~12. Petroleums~ are obtained from many different localities, being fluid,
bituminous oils, all having the same general characteristics and origin.
They are all hydrocarbons, and contain little or no oxygen. As their
origin is thoroughly discussed in many works on that subject, and as
there is such a diversity of opinion regarding it, the reader is
referred to such works.[3]
~13. Paraffine~, both liquid and solid, is obtained by the distillation of
crude petroleum by means of superheated steam. When the heavier
hydrocarbons begin to come over the receiver is changed and the
butyraceous distillate is filtered through a long column of well dried
animal charcoal. The first portion of the percolate is colorless or
nearly so.
The distillate is made water white by some refiners by an acid
treatment, followed by a water-and-alkali washing. On exposing this mass
to a low temperature it becomes thick, somewhat like "cosmoline" but
white. (59.) It is then shoveled into cotton bags of very strong
material and subjected to powerful pressure by means of a hydraulic
press. This operation divides the paraffine into two parts: the solid
paraffine wax from which candles, etc., are made remaining in the bags,
while that which is expressed is paraffine oil. If the operation is
carefully performed the oil will be free from crystaline paraffine at a
very low temperature.
[Illustration: _Fig. 5.--Extracting Oil from the Head of a Porpoise._]
~14. Neutral Oils~[4] "are refined paraffine oils varying in specific
gravity from 0.8641 to 0.8333. For the purpose for which these oils are
employed it is especially necessary that they be thoroughly deodorized.
They are largely used for the purpose of mixing with animal and
vegetable oils. It is said that a mixture of 95 per cent of a good
neutral oil of the right gravity, and 5 per cent of sperm oil, has been
sold for pure sperm. Ordinary inspection as to the odor and general
appearance would fail to detect the adulteration. Having been subjected
to the usual process for the extraction of crystaline paraffine, they
will stand a very low cold test, and having been passed through bone
black cylinders, they are free from odor and have but little color. They
are usually exposed for a few days in open shallow tanks for the purpose
of removing the flurescence of petroleum oils. Unmixed with heavier oils
they are too light in body (especially the lighter varieties) to be
employed as spindle or machinery oils, but when mixed with such oils in
the proper proportions they form admirable lubricating compounds for
general lubricating purposes when very high speed is not required."
(70-71.)
[Illustration: _Fig. 6.--Rendering Room in D. C. Stull's Factory._]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Brannt. Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils.
[2] Brannt. Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils.
[3] Crew; Practical Treatise on Petroleum. Lesquereaux; Transactions
American Philosophical Society. Winchell; Sketches of Creation. Henry;
Early and Later History of Petroleum.
[4] Crew. Practical Treatise on Petroleum.
CHAPTER II.
ELEMENTARY PHYSICS RELATING TO FRICTION AND LUBRICATION.
~15.~ Most of those who may read this work, are no doubt familiar with the
laws of elementary physics; but as _all_ may not be, for a better
understanding of that which follows, it may be well to treat briefly of
some of the physical laws bearing on the subject.
~16. The Molecule.~[5] _Every visible body of matter is composed of
exceedingly small particles called molecules._ This is the basis of the
theory of the constitution of matter which physicists have usually
adopted. It is estimated that if we should attempt to count the number
of molecules in a pin's head, counting at the rate of 10,000,000 per
second, we should require 250,000 years.
~17. Porosity.~ The term _pore_ in physics is restricted to the invisible
space that separates molecules. All matter is porous; thus dense gold
will absorb (24) liquid mercury, much as chalk will water; but the
cavities to be seen in a sponge are not pores.
~18. Gravitation.~ _That attraction which is exerted on all matter, at all
distances, is called gravitation._ Gravitation is universal, that is,
every molecule of matter attracts every other molecule of matter in the
universe. The whole force with which two bodies attract one another is
the sum of the attraction of their molecules, and depends upon the
number of molecules the two bodies collectively contain, and the mass of
each molecule. Hence, all bodies attract, and are attracted by, all
other bodies.
In a ball suspended from the ceiling by a thread an attraction exists
between the ball and the ceiling, but on account of a greater attraction
existing between the ball and the earth, if we cut the thread the ball
will move toward the earth, or in the direction of the greater
attraction.
~19. The Effect of Distance.~ _Gravitation varies inversely with the
distance by which two bodies are separated._
As the sun is many times greater than the earth, the attraction between
the ball (18) and the sun would cause the ball to leave the earth and
move toward the sun were it not for the fact that the ball is so much
_nearer_ to the earth than to the sun.
~20. Cohesion.~ _The attraction which holds the molecules of the same
substance together so as to form larger bodies is called cohesion._
It acts only at insensible distances and is strictly a molecular force.
It is that force which prevents solid bodies from falling apart. Liquids
like molasses and honey possess more cohesive force among the molecules
of which they are composed than limpid liquids like water and alcohol.
The former are said to be viscous, or to possess _viscosity_.
~21. Adhesion.~ _That force which causes unlike substances to cling
together is called adhesion._ It is that force which keeps nails,
driven into wood, in their places. You can climb a pole because of the
adhesion between your hands and the pole. We could not pick anything up
if it were not for adhesion. Glue, when dry, possesses both cohesion and
adhesion to a great degree.
~22. Capillarity.~ Examine the surface of water in a vessel. You find the
surface level, except around the edge next the glass, as at A (Fig. 7.)
[Illustration: Fig. 7.]
[Illustration: Fig. 8.]
1. Thrust vertically into water three glass tubes, A, B and C (Fig. 8),
open at both ends. You notice the water ascends in each to a different
height, and that _the ascension varies inversely as the diameter of the
bore_; i. e., the smaller the bore, the higher the water ascends.
2. Seal one of the tubes at its upper end. The water enters but little,
as shown at D (Fig. 8), on account of the resistance of the air pressure
within the tube.
3. Thrust vertically two plates of glass into water, and gradually bring
the surfaces near to each other. Soon the water rises between the
plates, and rises higher as the plates are brought nearer. If their
surfaces be mutually parallel and vertical, the water rises to the same
height at all points between the plates, as shown at A (Fig. 9.)
[Illustration: Fig. 9.]
4. If the plates be united by a hinge, and form an angle, the height to
which the water ascends increases as the _distance_ between the plates
decreases up to their line of junction, where it attains a maximum, as
shown at B (Fig. 9.)
5. Decrease the _angle_ between the plates, and the water ascends
higher, as shown at C (Fig. 9.) Thus it is seen that _the ascension
varies inversely with the angle between the plates_; i. e., the smaller
the angle, the higher the water ascends.
6. When a drop of oil is placed between two glass plates arranged as
shown at A (Fig. 10), if the surfaces are not too far distant, and if
the oil touches both surfaces, it will be seen to work its way to the
junction of the plates; showing that _oil between surfaces has a
tendency to flow towards the apex of the angle_.
[Illustration: Fig. 10.]
7. Place a drop of oil on a taper piece of metal, as shown at B (Fig.
10). The oil will gradually recede from the point to a place where there
is more metal, showing that _oil on surfaces has a tendency to flow
towards the largest part_.
[Illustration: Fig. 11.]
8. When a drop of oil is placed between two watch glasses arranged with
flat and convex sides adjacent, as at A (Fig. 11), or with convex sides
adjacent, as at B (Fig. 11), if the glasses are rigidly fixed in their
relative positions the drop of oil can be shaken from its location only
with great difficulty; the oil at C holding its place with greater
tenacity than the oil at D.
The foregoing phenomena are called _capillary action_, or _capillarity_.
Capillary action is due to the forces of cohesion (20), and to the
forces of adhesion (21.)
~23. Centrifugal Force.~--_The tendency of a body rotating round a point
to escape from that point is called centrifugal force._
Place a small quantity of oil on the arm of a balance, near the arbor.
Rotate the wheel rapidly. The oil is seen to flow towards the rim of the
wheel.
~24. Absorption of Gases by Liquids~ depends on molecular attraction and
motion. Water at a temperature of 0° cen. (32° f.), is capable of
condensing in its _pores_ (17) six hundred times its own bulk of ammonia
gas. The absorption of oxygen from the air causes some oils to become
more viscous, to eventually become solid, without losing in weight, in
fact sometimes gaining. Other oils dry up, or _evaporate_, leaving
little or no residue.
~25. Force.~--_Force is that which can produce, change or destroy motion._
We see a body move; we know there must be a cause; that cause we call
force. We see a body in motion come to rest; this effect must have had a
cause; that cause we attribute to force. The forces acting in machines
are distinguished into _driving_ and _resisting_ forces. That component
of the force which does the work is called the "_effort_."
~26. Friction~ is usually a resisting (29) force, tending to destroy
motion; but it is sometimes the means of the transmission of motion.
~27. Work~ is the result of force acting through space. When force
produces motion, the result is work. _Work is measured by the product of
the resistance into the space through which it is overcome._
~28. Energy~, which is defined[6] as the capacity for doing work, is
either _actual_ or _potential_. _Actual_ or _kinetic energy_ is the
energy of an actually moving body, and is measured by the work which it
is capable of performing while being brought to rest under the action of
a retarding force.
_Potential Energy_ is the capacity for doing work possessed by a body in
virtue of its position, of its condition, or of its intrinsic
properties. A bent bow or a coiled spring has potential energy, which
becomes actual in the impulsion of the arrow or is expended in the work
of the mechanism driven by the machine. A clock weight, condensed air
and gunpowder are examples.
This form of energy appears in every moving part of every machine and
its variations often seriously affect the working of machinery. (84.)
FOOTNOTES:
[5] This and some of the definitions that follow are adapted from
"Elements of Physics" by A. P. Gage.
[6] Thurston. "Friction and Lost Work in Machinery," from which
excellent work much of the next chapter is adapted.
CHAPTER III.
FRICTION--ITS NATURE AND THEORY.
~29. Friction.~ The relative motion of one particle or body in forced
contact with another is always retarded, or prevented, by a resisting
force called friction.
Friction manifests itself in three ways: Between solids it is called
_sliding_ and _rolling friction_; between the particles of liquids, or
of gasses, when they move in contact with each other, or with other
bodies, it is called _fluid friction_. Quite different laws govern these
three kinds of friction, as they are quite different in character.
Friction can never of itself produce or accelerate motion, being always
a resisting force, acting at the surfaces of contact of the two
particles, or masses, between which it occurs, and in the direction of
their common tangent, resisting relative motion in whichever direction
it may be attempted to produce it. The greatest loss of energy in a
timepiece in which all the parts are rigid enough to prevent permanent
distortion, is that occurring through friction. Another source of loss
of energy is the reduction in elasticity of springs caused by a rise of
temperature.
~30. The Cause of Sliding Friction~ is the interlocking of the asperities
of one surface with those of another; and only by the riding of one set
over the other, or by a rubbing down or tearing off of projecting parts,
can motion take place. It follows, then, that roughness is conducive to
friction; and that the smoother the surface the less the friction will
be.
~31. The Cause of Rolling Friction~ is the irregularity and lack of
symmetry of the surfaces between which it occurs. It acts as a
resisting, or retarding, force when a smoothly curved surface rolls upon
another surface, plane or curved.
Motion is prevented, or retarded, by the irregular variation of the
distance between the center of gravity and the line of motion in the
common tangent of the two bodies at the point of contact, caused by the
irregularity of form, or of surface, in the one or the other body.
Rolling friction is small where hard, smooth, symmetrical surfaces are
in contact, and increases as the surfaces are soft, rough or irregular.
In a knife edge support, seen in some forms of pendulums, is exhibited a
form of rolling friction.
~32. Solid Friction~, either sliding or rolling, could be overcome if it
were possible to produce _absolutely_ smooth surfaces. It is evident,
then, that the character of the material, as well as the form of their
surfaces, determines the amount of friction.
In all time-keeping mechanism both sliding and rolling friction manifest
themselves; the former principally between the surfaces of pivots and
bearings and in the escapements, the latter mainly between the surfaces
of the teeth of wheels, and to some extent in some of the pivots, and
sometimes in parts of escapements. It is not the intention of the author
to treat of the proper shape of the teeth of wheels, leaves of pinions,
or the proportions of the escapements, the nature and scope of this work
not permitting of it; but he will confine his remarks principally to the
parts that involve lubrication.
~33. The Laws of Sliding Friction~, as given by Thurston,[7] with solid,
unlubricated surfaces, are, up to the point of abrasion, as follows:
1. The direction of frictional resisting forces is in the common tangent
plane of the two surfaces, and directly opposed to their relative
motion.
2. The point, or surface, of application of this resistance is the
point, or the surface, on which contact occurs.
3. The greatest magnitude of this resisting force is dependent on the
character of the surfaces, and is directly proportional to the force
with which two surfaces are pressed together.
4. The maximum frictional resistance is independent of the area of
contact, the velocity of rubbing, or any other conditions than intensity
of pressure and condition of surfaces.
5. The friction of rest or quiescence, "statical friction," is greater
than that of motion, or "kinetic friction."
He further states that these "laws" are not absolutely exact, as here
stated, so far as they affect the magnitude of frictional resistance. It
is found that some evidence exists indicating the continuous nature of
the friction of rest and of motion.
When the pressure exceeds a certain amount, fixed for each pair of
surfaces, abrasion of the softer surface or other change of form takes
place, the resistance becomes greater and is no longer wholly
frictional.
When the pressure falls below a certain other and lower limit the
resistance may be principally due to adhesion, an entirely different
force, which may enter into the total resistance at all pressures, but
which does not always appreciably modify the law at high pressures.
This limitation is seldom observable with solid, unlubricated surfaces,
but may often be observed with lubricated surfaces, the friction of
which, as will presently be seen (41), follows different laws. The upper
limit should never be approached in machinery.
The coefficient of friction is that quantity which, being multiplied by
the total pressure acting normally to the surfaces in contact, will give
the measure of the maximum frictional resistance to motion.
~34. Sliding Friction is Proportional to Pressure~ according to the third
law quoted above. This is easily demonstrated by ascertaining what force
is necessary to produce, or continue, motion in a body lying on a plane
surface; double the weight of the body and the force required to
produce, or continue, motion, will have to be doubled. The converse is
also true (36).
~35. Sliding Friction is Independent of the Area Of Contact~, the pressure
remaining the same (law 4, 33).
This is accounted for by the fact that if, for example, the area of
contact be doubled, though twice the number of asperities will present
themselves, each individual retarding force is only half of what it was
previously, and the general effect is the same (36).
~36. The Intensity of Sliding Friction is Independent of Velocity.~ (Law
4, 33.) This is explained by the fact that the interlocking of the
asperities on each surface has a shorter time to take place in increased
speed, and consequently cannot be so effective as with slow speed. But
with high speed more asperities are presented than in low speed, so the
effect is the same in both cases.
_The above (33-36) are not exact, being the statement of experimental
laws, and admit of considerable modification when applied in horological
science, as will be shown (41-42.)_
[Illustration: Fig. 12.]
~37. The Effect of a Loose Bearing~ is an increase of friction, and
consequently a loss of energy, resulting in the wear of _one_ or _both_
surfaces in contact, according to conditions. In Fig. 12, A is a loose
bearing, B a journal at rest and C the point of contact. If the journal
be now turned in the direction of the arrow by the motive force, it will
have a tendency to roll over a short arc of the bearing to a new point
of contact, as at D, when it begins to slide; so long as the coefficient
of friction is unchanged it retains this position; but approaches or
retreats from the point C, as the coefficient of friction diminishes or
increases, continually finding new conditions of equilibrium. The arc of
contact is thus too small to withstand the pressure without abrasion of
one or both surfaces.
It will thus be seen that the journal, or pivot, should fit its bearing
closely; but it should be borne in mind that no tendency to "bind"
should be produced, the fitting being such that the wheel will turn
readily with a minimum pressure.
The film of oil which must be interposed between the bearing surfaces of
the journal, or pivot, and its bearing, will also occupy _some_ space;
and this must be remembered, particularly in the case of pivots in the
escapement.
~38. The Laws of Rolling Friction~ are not as yet definitely established,
because of the uncertainty of the results of experiments, as to the
amount of friction due to (1) roughness of surface, (2) irregularity of
form, (3) distortion under pressure.
The first and second of these quantities vary inversely as the radius;
and the third depends upon the character of the material composing the
two surfaces in contact.
It follows, then, that in such minute mechanical contrivances as are
used in horology, as the motive force is in some cases very light, the
horologist should endeavor to produce, where rolling friction takes
place, the maximum--smoothness of surface--regularity of
form--adaptation of surfaces (31.)
There are many other points on which the writer would like to dwell, as
engaging and disengaging friction, internal friction, etc., etc., but
the scope of this paper will not permit.
~39. The Friction Of Fluids~ in horology is of grave importance. It is
subject to quite different laws from those met with in the motion of
solids in contact. When a fluid moves in contact with a solid the
resistance to motion experienced is due to relative motion of layers of
fluid moving in contact with each other. At surfaces of contact with a
solid the fluid lies against the solid without appreciable relative
motion; as the distance from the surface is increased by layer upon
layer of the fluid, the relative velocity of the solid and the fluid
becomes greater. _Fluid friction is, therefore, the friction of adjacent
bodies of fluid in relative motion._
While fluid friction acts as a retarding force in mechanism it converts
the mechanical energy required to produce it into its heat equivalent,
thus raising the temperature of the mass in a greater or lesser degree.
The resisting property which thus effects this conversion, and which is
the cause of fluid friction, is called _viceosity_.
It is thus apparent that a _variation of the viceosity_ of the oil used
on a watch would cause a variation of fluid friction and consequently a
variation of the effort (11), _and would seriously interfere with the
rate of the watch_. This will be discussed (84) more thoroughly in
another paragraph.
~40. The Laws of Fluid Friction~ are:
1. Fluid friction is independent of the pressure between the masses in
contact.
2. Fluid friction is directly proportional to the surfaces between which
it occurs.
3. This resistance is proportional to the square of the relative
velocity at moderate and high speeds, and to the velocity nearly at very
low speeds.
4. It is independent of the nature of the surfaces of the solid against
which the stream may flow, but it is dependent to some extent upon the
degree of roughness of those surfaces.
5. It is proportional to the density of the fluid and is related in some
way to its viscosity.
~41. The Compound Friction of Lubricated Surfaces~, as Thurston terms it,
or friction due to the action of surfaces of solids partly separated by
a fluid, is observed in all cases in which the rubbing surfaces are
lubricated. The solids, in such instances, though partly supported by
the layer of lubricant which is retained in place by adhesion (21) and
cohesion (20), usually rub on each other more or less, as they are
usually not completely separated by the liquid film interposed between
them.
Wear is produced by the rubbing together of the two solids; and the rate
at which the lubricant becomes discolored and charged with abraded metal
indicates the amount of wear.
The journal and bearing are forced into close contact in the case of
heavy pressures and slow speeds, as is shown by their worn condition;
while the journal floats on the film of fluid which is continually
interposed between it and the bearing, in the case of very light
pressures, and high velocities; in the latter instance _the friction
occurs between two fluid layers_, one moving with each surface.
With heavy machinery, as the hardness and degree of polish of the
surfaces cannot be increased in proportion to their weight, the solid
friction is so great that while the interposition of a lubricant between
the surfaces adds fluid friction, it also reduces the solid friction;
and as the fluid friction is so insignificant as compared to the solid
friction, the former is almost completely masked by the latter. In this
case the laws of solid friction are more nearly applicable.
But in a delicate machine like a watch, especially in the escapement,
where the power is so light, and where the rubbing surfaces are so hard,
smooth and regular, the solid friction is so minute as compared to the
fluid friction, that the former is relatively very slight, as compared
with the latter. The laws of fluid friction are more nearly applicable
in this instance.
There are thus, evidently, two limiting cases between which all examples
of satisfactorily lubricated surfaces fall; the one limit is that of
purely solid friction, which limit being passed, and sometimes before,
abrasion ensues; the other limit is that at which the resistance is
entirely due to the friction of the film of fluid which separates the
surfaces of the solids completely.
~42. The Laws of Friction of Lubricated Surfaces~ are evidently neither
those of solid friction nor those of fluid friction, but will resemble
more nearly the one or the other, as the limits described in the
previous paragraph are approached. The value of the coefficient of
friction varies with every change of velocity, of pressure, and of
temperature, as well as with the change of character of the surfaces in
contact.
For _perfectly_ lubricated surfaces, were such attainable, assuming it
practicable with complete separation of the surfaces, the laws of
friction, according to Thurston, would become:
1. The coefficient is inversely as the intensity of the pressure, and
the resistance is independent of the pressure.
2. The friction coefficient varies as the square of the speed.
3. The friction varies directly as the area of the journal bearing.
4. The friction varies as the temperature rises, and as the viscosity of
the lubricant is thus decreased (80).
~43. The Methods of Reducing Waste of Energy Caused by Friction~ in time
keeping mechanisms are based upon a few simple principles. It is evident
that to make the work and power so lost a minimum, it is necessary to
adopt the following precautions:
1. Proper choice of materials for rubbing surfaces (29-32).
2. Smooth finish and symmetrical shape of surfaces in contact (29-32 and
38).
3. The use of a lubricant the viscosity of which is adapted to the
pressure between the bearing surfaces (80).
4. The best methods for retaining the lubricant at the places required,
and for providing for a continual supply of the lubricant.
5. The bearing surfaces of such proportions that the lubricant will not
be expelled at normal pressure.
6. The reducing of the diameters of all journals, shoulders and pivots,
to the smallest size compatible with the foregoing conditions, and with
the stresses they are expected to sustain, thus reducing the space,
through which the fluid friction acts, to a minimum (40); as well as
reducing the distance from the axis of the arbor or pinion at which the
friction, both solid and fluid, acts. The work done is independent of
the length of the journal; except as it may modify pressure, and thus
the coefficient of friction.
7. Proper fitting of bearing surfaces (37).
8. The reducing of the rubbing surfaces in escapements as much as the
nature of the materials will allow without abrasion in the course of
time (55).
~44. Friction Between Surfaces Moving at Very Slow Speed~, has been
investigated by Fleming Jenkin and J. A. Ewing. A contrivance, which
would be very excellent with some improvement, for the determination of
the amount of friction under such conditions, is given in a paper[8]
read before the Royal Society of London.
The arrangement employed by them was composed of a cast iron disk two
feet in diameter and weighing 86 pounds. This disk, being turned true on
its circumference, was supported by a spindle terminating in pivots 0.25
C. M. in diameter, the pivots resting in small rectangular bearings
composed of the material the friction of which with steel is to be
determined.
A tracing of ink was produced on a strip of paper which surrounded the
disk, the ink being supplied by a pen actuated electrically by a
pendulum, as in the syphon recorder.
As the traces thus left on the paper were produced without in any way
interfering with the freedom of motion of the disk, they afforded a
means of determining the velocity of rotation.
The relative velocities of the pivot to the bearing surfaces varied from
.006 C. M. to 0.3 C. M. per second, being the velocities met with in the
various parts of time keeping devices.
Experiments were made with the bearing surfaces successively in three
different conditions: viz. 1, dry; 2, wet with water; and 3, wet with
oil; and gave the following results:
TABLE I.
---------------------------------------------------------
SURFACES. | COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION.
------------------------------|--------------------------
JOURNAL. | BEARING. | DRY. | WATER. | OIL.
-------------|----------------|--------|--------|--------
Steel | Steel | 0.351 | 0.208 | 0.118
" | Brass | 0.195 | 0.105 | 0.146
" | Polished Agate | 0.200 | 0.166 | 0.107
---------------------------------------------------------
Several facts of great interest to the horologist are here shown.
[9]
Edward Rigg has this to say in regard to the apparatus of Jenkin and
Ewing. "The friction, then, is true sliding friction without any
rolling, and it will be evident that if the bearing were a circular hole
just large enough to admit the pivot freely, the character of the
friction would be in no way changed. In both a watch and clock the
pivots are pressed against the sides of the pivot holes, either by the
motive force or by gravity. There is no rolling round the pivot holes,
so that the friction is all of the first kind. Jenkin's experiments
are, then, _strictly applicable to the case of pivots_,[10] and they
constitute, so far as I am aware, the first scientific determination of
the friction that occurs in time-keepers, and even in these experiments,
the pressure, due to the weight of 86 pounds, is evidently too great,
and thus too little regard is paid to the influence of adhesion."
E. Rigg further states that, reverting to the preceding table, we notice
the following points of interest:--
1. "When the oil has dried up, the friction of a steel pivot in brass is
actually less than in agate.
2. "A greater diminution of friction, by the application of oil, is
effected when steel is used with steel, than where steel is used with
brass or agate; although the fluid friction is probably equal in the
three cases, when oil is used.
3. "With a perfect, non-drying, non-oxidizing lubricant, steel bearings
for pivots would be preferable to brass bearings. Hence, with anything
short of an approximately perfect oil, the brass is most serviceable.
4. "Brass pivot holes are much less affected by the drying of the oil
than agate holes would be; and, in the absence of experiment, we must
assume that this would be the case with ruby or other jewels.
5. "When the oil is perfectly fresh, agate and steel have a very low
coefficient of friction."
How much these results would be altered by the use of a disk of such
weight, and pivots of such proportionate size, as to meet the actual
requirements in horology, remains to be ascertained.
Certainly the experiments of Jenkin, are _not_ applicable to the pivots
of a watch, as stated by E. Rigg; especially are they not applicable to
the friction of pivots in the escapement, where the laws of fluid
friction are more nearly applicable; and when it is remembered that the
weight of the disk was 86 pounds, and the pivots .25 c. m. in diameter,
(or about the size of pivot of a large barrel arbor,) it is evident that
the solid friction produced was much in excess of that produced in even
the heavy part of the train of a watch.
Furthermore, even Jenkin and Ewing, in their paper, state "that, owing
to the very great intensity of the pressure on the small bearing
surfaces of the axle, the lubricants must have been to a great extent
forced out." In a properly made watch, with a good lubricant, this does
not occur.
But there can be no doubt that if the apparatus above described were so
constructed as to meet the actual conditions in time recording
instruments, very valuable data could be thereby secured. This could be
done by reducing the weight of the disk, so as to make the weight bear
the proper relation to the size of the pivots.
FOOTNOTES:
[7] Thurston. Friction and Lost Work in Machinery.
[8] Philosophical Transactions, 1877, Vol. CLXVII., p. 502.
[9] The Horological Journal, Apr., 1881. Vol. XXIII., page 98.
[10] The writer has italicised this phrase.
CHAPTER IV.
APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF FRICTION AND LUBRICATION IN HOROLOGY.
~45.~ The scope of this work will not permit the discussion of the proper
size, shape and construction of each and every part of all the various
kinds of time-keeping mechanisms which have been produced. However a
number of _representative_ cases of friction and lubrication will be
considered, and the laws applying to the same will be demonstrated.
Practical methods of obtaining the best results will be shown and
mistakes to be avoided will be pointed out.
The knowledge of what we ought not to do is sometimes of vastly greater
importance than it is usually considered to be.
~46. The Proportions of Pivots, Shoulders and Bearings~, where the
bearings are not capped jewels, should be such that the coefficient (33)
of the combined solid and fluid friction will be a minimum, and such
that the lubricant will not be expelled at normal pressure, while the
"fit" (37) must be good.
1. _The diameters of all pivots_ should be of the smallest size
compatible (43,6) with the foregoing condition, and with the stresses
which they are expected to sustain.
2. _The length of bearing surfaces_ is regulated by the pressures which
may occur (43) between them, and by the nature of the materials of which
they may be composed.
3. Given the diameter and the pressure, the length of the bearing
surfaces can be so proportioned as to prevent abrasion and to present
surfaces, between which the film of oil is interposed, of such magnitude
that the lubricant will not be expelled at normal pressure.
[Illustration: Fig. 13.]
4. In Fig. 13 the length of bearing surface of the pivot is equal to its
diameter, but the proportion must be varied according to conditions.
5. The barrel arbor pivots are sometimes necessarily of large diameter,
and the bearing surfaces can be made shorter in proportion, as the
surfaces will then be great enough to give good results as well as to
retain (48) the oil.
6. In the center pinion (49) where the diameter of the the pivots is
made small for reasons explained (43, 6), the length of the bearing
surfaces must be such that abrasion will not occur, and that the oil
will not be expelled.
7. The rest of the train is subject to the same laws. The length of the
bearing surfaces of the pivots remote from the motive force can be made
shorter in proportion.
8. The diameter of the shoulder S, Fig. 13, is reduced to as small a
size as will properly sustain the "end thrust," thus reducing the
friction, both solid and fluid, to a minimum, at the same time reducing
the distance from the center of the arbor (43, 6) at which the friction
acts.
9. The above proportions vary with the nature of the material; where
jewels are employed a shorter bearing surface may be used, if it be
desired to reduce friction, but the pressure on the oil is the same with
jewel as with brass bearings, so that it must not be made so short that
the oil will be expelled.
~47. The Shape of Pivots, Shoulders and Bearings~, where the bearings are
not capped jewels, should be such as to produce as little friction as
possible. They should be hard, symmetrical, and smooth (30).
_The construction should be such that a considerable amount of oil may
be applied without having a tendency to spread._
The advantages of the construction shown at Fig. 13 are:
1. The oil sink _O_ is deep and narrow, rather than wide and flat--thus
causing the oil to be drawn towards the apex of the angle, i. e. towards
the pivot, with greater force (22, 5) than if the oil sink were wide and
shallow, in which case the oil would have a tendency to spread, as too
often occurs.
2. The total length of the pivot is to the length of its bearing surface
as 5 is to 3, thus further reducing the angle, which produces a greater
tendency (22, 5) in the oil to stay in the oil-sink.
3. A circular groove G is cut around the oil sink, which produces a
still greater tendency on the part of the oil to stay in the sink, by
removing metal which would otherwise exert an attraction (19) on the
oil.
4. The beveled portion P is comparatively large--while the shoulder S is
relatively small--thus forming the angle O´ of about 20° with the flat
surface of the bearing. This will cause the oil to have a tendency to
flow towards the pivot, for the reason given in considering the
oil-sink.
5. The boss B is made to diminish the liability of the oil to spread, by
a reduction (18-19) of the amount of metal which would otherwise cause
it.
6. The back taper T is made for the same reason. Some watchmakers (?)
seem to think this is added only for ornament, but it is a very
important factor in producing longevity of the oil.
7. The slight chamfer C, in the bearing, serves two purposes; it becomes
a reservoir for oil and removes any burr that might otherwise exist in a
metal bearing, without in any way altering its effectiveness.
8. It will thus be seen that the oil reservoirs O, O´ and C are made to
contain, and retain, the maximum amount of oil, and the supply of the
lubricant is thus increased to a maximum length of time.
The application of these principles to each part to which they relate
will be considered.
~48. The Barrel Arbor~, with its bearing, should be so constructed that
the oil will not spread to the contiguous parts. The oil sink, with
circular groove cut around the outside (46-47), both in the barrel and
its cover, should not be neglected.
It is well to apply oil to the bottom and on the cover of the barrel, as
well as on the coils of the spring; and before putting on the cover, a
small amount applied on the arbor nut at the shoulders will assist
greatly in causing the oil to be at once drawn to its proper place.
Care must be exercised while and after cleaning the mainspring, in order
that it may come in contact with the fingers as little as possible, as
the acids contained in perspiration are liable to be transferred to the
spring and so work serious injury by contaminating the oil.
A part frequently neglected is the point of contact of the click spring
with the click. If this part be not oiled rust is likely to form, and
many instances have occurred where rust has found its way all through
the movement from this cause. In fact, this may be said of the point of
contact of all springs, with few exceptions, both in plain and
complicated work.
If the watch has a chain and fusee, these both should be looked after;
the former can be well oiled, and the surplus wiped off so as to leave a
minute quantity in the interstices of the links; while the latter should
have oil on its clicks, as well as on the arbor where it passes through
the wheel. If the ratchet of the maintaining power be of brass it should
not be oiled; while if it is of steel oil should be applied. Its click
should have the pivots of its arbor oiled, while what was said of clicks
in general will apply here.
~49. The Center Pinion Pivots~, with their bearings, should be very
carefully constructed, as this is the vulnerable point of most watches.
With proper precautions (46-47) these parts can be made so as to wear as
long as the rest of the watch.
In a high-priced watch the bearings should be jewels; but in a cheap
watch, where the price will not warrant correct work and careful
fitting, the bearings are preferably of brass or some other metal.
Where the bearings of the center pinions are of brass or nickel, there
is little difficulty experienced in making them perfectly "upright"--a
condition necessary to produce a minimum amount of friction--while, if
the bearings are jewels which are not upright, the friction, and
consequent wear, will be increased. Properly jeweled bearings produce a
maximum durability, as they cause the least friction; while the
coefficient of friction is subject to much less fluctuation on account
of the harder, smoother surface of the jewel, (43, 46, 47 and 61).
Where there is a brass bearing for the lower pivot, in watches having a
solid center arbor on which the cannon pinion revolves in setting, the
length of the bearing may be profitably increased by making a boss on
the outer side of the lower plate, provision for which is then made in
the cannon pinion by a suitable recess. In either case the laws
previously given should be complied with.
A source of mischief in many watches is the manner in which the minute
wheel is made; the construction being such that its teeth touch the
plate so near the bearing of the center arbor that capillary attraction
(19, 22) is produced, which causes all the oil to leave the lower
bearing of the center arbor. This can be avoided by cutting off the
lower parts of the teeth of the minute wheel; or, by turning a groove
in the plate which will be concentric with the minute wheel post, and
which will pass under the teeth of the wheel, but not near enough to the
bearing of the center arbor to injure the latter.
The oil from the stem wind mechanism, also, sometimes flows under the
minute wheel, and from there into the center arbor bearing; and, when
the oil is used up in the former place, it is drawn up again out of the
latter place leaving it dry. A means of preventing this will be
discussed (59) later.
Another and _very_ frequent cause of the lower center pivot cutting,
particularly in new watches, is the neglect to remove the polishing
material from the cannon pinion where the center arbor is solid.
A small portion of oil should be applied to the bearings of the minute
wheel, (where its pinion, or the pivot on which it revolves, is steel),
hour wheel, and cannon pinion where the center arbor is solid, and to
the set hands arbor where the center arbor is hollow. The safety pinion
should always be oiled, as it may not otherwise be of much service.
~50. The Third Pinion Pivots~ are sometimes the source of mischief. When
the center wheel is placed above or below the barrel, the upper or lower
pivot of the third pinion receives such great stress that the oil is
forced out in many cases. By increasing the length of the pivot this
could be obviated. The minute wheel is sometimes so close to the lower
bearing of this pinion as to absorb the oil. This can be remedied by
cutting a recess in the lower side of the minute wheel. Where it is
possible to do so the wheels should be so placed on their pinions and
arbors, and at such a distance from the bearing surfaces of the latter,
that the stress on each pivot--the combined result of the weight of the
wheel and the forces acting on it--will be equal.
~51. The Fourth Pinion Pivots~ should follow the same general laws as that
given for the rest of the train; but it should be borne in mind that
fluid friction acts as a retarding force much more perceptibly in the
lighter parts of the train; consequently if no second-hand is to be
carried, very small bearing surfaces should be the rule in this case.
~52. The 'Scape Pinion Pivots~ as well as the shoulders should not be too
large, while there should be sufficient back taper to insure the oil
remaining at the pivots. A very small quantity of oil should be applied,
as, when too much is used, it is liable to work up into the pinion where
the latter is short, as in very thin watches, thus producing, when very
fine dust is added, a mixture that acts much like oil stone power and
oil, which cuts away the leaves of the pinion.
~53. The Lever Arbor Pivots~ should also be small, with small shoulders so
as to reduce fluid friction to a minimum.
It may be well to add that in all uncapped bearings of pivots in the
train, whether they be of jewels or of brass, a slight convex shape can
profitably be given to the surface where the shoulder of the arbor, or
pinion, touches the bearing, thereby reducing not only the surface of
contact at the shoulder, and consequently diminishing the cause of
friction (41), but by reducing the distance from the center, at which
the friction acts, the retarding effect of the friction is much less
(46), thus obtaining a greater effort (25).
~54. The Balance Arbor Pivots and Bearings~, as well as those of the lever
and scape wheel where their pivots run in capped jewels, deserve
_particular_ attention. Fig. 14 shows hole and cap jewels in settings,
but what applies to them is equally applicable to all capped jewels,
with few exceptions.
[Illustration: Fig. 14.]
In Fig. 14 all the laws of capillary action are applied. It has been
shown (22,8) that, when two watch glasses are fixed rigidly relatively
with their convex sides adjacent, if a drop of oil be placed near their
centers it can be shaken from its position only with great difficulty.
The jewels, in this instance, present much the same form, though only a
minute quantity of oil, instead of a drop, is involved; but the same
influences are at work in both cases.
This reservoir, if properly made, will contain enough oil to last a long
time; as, when the oil in the center is used up, that which is _nearer_
the settings will be drawn to the pivot. The writer has said "nearer"
the settings; but _it is very important that the oil should never touch
the setting_ (58).
Both settings are cut away at _aa´_, in order that as little attractive
influence (22) as possible may be exerted on the oil by the metal in the
settings.
Where the adjacent surfaces of the hole and cap jewel are flat and
parallel the oil will usually have a tendency to be drawn to the
setting--the evil effect of which will be shown (58) later--especially
if the hole and cap jewel are at any appreciable distance from each
other; while if they are _too_ close together, the reservoir will not be
sufficiently large.
The conical pivot shown is the usual form in the finer grades of
American watches; and as this form of pivot combines strength with a
minimum tendency to attract the oil from the jewel hole, it is to be
highly recommended. The back-taper T should never be neglected for
reasons previously (47, 6) given. The proportions that should exist
between the diameter of the pivot and the length of its bearing surface,
as well as the shape of the end of the pivot, cannot be discussed here,
as the scope of this work will not permit; but it should be borne in
mind that the smaller the pivots, consistent with strength, the less the
fluid friction will be. The sides of the pivots should be straight and
parallel for a minute distance from their bearing surfaces; while the
form of the rest of the pivot should be a gradually increasing curve,
terminating at the point where the back-taper begins.
The proper proportion of the diameter of the pivot to the diameter of
the jewel hole varies according to conditions; but it has been
previously (37) shown in a general way what this should be.
~55. The Escapements~ should be constructed in such a way that a maximum
durability of oil may be secured. The acting surfaces of the teeth of
the scape wheels should be made as small as possible consistent with
durability (43, 8); while enough metal should be left _near_ the acting
surfaces to be sufficient to retain the oil and prevent its attraction
to the web of the wheel. The teeth of chronometer scape wheels should
not be oiled, as it is liable to seriously alter the rate. When the oil
becomes viscous by oxidation or by cold it would produce too much
variation of fluid friction and so diminish the effort (25) of the
mechanism. Some watchmakers oil the fork of the lever in anchor
escapements _very_ slightly, by applying oil and then using pith to
remove any surplus, while others never oil the fork. The writer has
frequently observed ferric oxide or "rust" on the roller, fork, and on
the plate or potance; but whether this was the result of not oiling or
of oil having been applied which afterward become gummed, or evaporated,
it would be interesting to know.
~56. The Curb Pins~ sometimes produce the ferric oxide mentioned by their
action on the hairspring. This has been remedied by the same method as
used in the fork just referred to, and if a _very minute_ quantity of
oil can be applied--such a minute quantity that if the whole spring were
equally covered by a coating of oil equally _thin_, such film being _so_
thin that it would have _no_ tendency to cause the coils to adhere, or
to cause small particles of matter to adhere--then it may be that this
method deserves notice.
By making a solution of benzine and oil (100 drops of the former with 1
to 10 drops of the latter) and by immersing the hairspring in this
solution and on withdrawing it dry it quickly between soft, fine linen,
it will be found that the coils of the hairspring do not adhere to each
other. The effect that this would produce on the whole spring by way of
preventing rust in damp, warm climates, will be stated (78) later.
~57. The Application Of Oil~ must be attended with great care. The
shoulders of the barrel and center arbors may be profitably oiled before
putting them in their places, applying an additional small amount
afterward. The rest of the pivots should be oiled after the movement is
set up--except in the case of capped jewels--as if oil is applied to
each pivot as the wheel is put in position it would be difficult to keep
the oil in good condition and at its proper place if it should be
necessary to take the movement apart again for any purpose.
The oil is more evenly distributed on the teeth of scape wheels, where
such require lubrication, if a small quantity of oil be applied to each
tooth, or every second or third tooth. A small amount added to the
surfaces on which the teeth act will in most cases be beneficial. If it
be necessary to take the movement partially apart for any purpose, after
it has been oiled, care should be taken not to give the train a too
rapid motion, as the centrifugal force (23) resulting from the rapid
circular motion of the wheels will be liable to cause the oil to leave
the jewel holes and spread upon the surfaces of the jewels, and also
cause the oil to fly off the teeth of the scape wheel to its determent
and that of other parts which are better without oil.
~58. The Method of Oiling Capped Jewels~ has been given by Saunier, as
follows:[11] "When a drop of oil is introduced into the oil cup of the
balance pivot-hole, insert a very fine pegwood point, so as to cause the
descent of the oil. When this precaution is not taken, it frequently
happens that in inserting the balance pivot its conical shoulder draws
away some of the oil, and there is a deficiency both in the hole and on
the endstone." In both the English and American editions, this erroneous
method is repeated.
By this means, only an insufficient quantity of oil can be caused to
flow into the reservoir, as the pressure of the air inside will prevent
the oil flowing in; as, in the case of a glass tube with the upper end
sealed up, it has been shown (22, 2) that the water refused to be drawn
up the tube, even with the added pressure caused by the lower end of the
tube being below the water line. Again, the point of pegwood is liable
to have minute fibres of wood adhering to it, which will be incorporated
with the oil; and its liability to break off, and remain in the jewel
hole, is another reason why pegwood should never be used. The author
advances a method, which is not open to these objections, as follows:
When about to place the cap jewel in position--after the hole jewel is
in place if it be in a setting--a small quantity of oil is placed ON THE
CAP JEWEL, as shown at O, Fig. 14, _being very careful to allow no oil
to spread upon the cap jewel setting_. This setting is then carefully
placed in position; when the oil, if the operation has been skillfully
performed, is seen to be collected in the reservoir _R_ and _in_ the
jewel hole. The appearance which it will assume is shown in Fig. 14. The
advantages which this method possesses are: the reservoir can by this
means be made to contain the maximum quantity of oil; and the oil cup or
sink _S_ is left with its surface dry, thereby exposing less oil to the
influences of the air; and, at the same time the tendency of the oil to
flow towards the shoulder of the pivot is decreased.
Skill is necessary in order to judge of and place the requisite amount
of oil on the cap jewel before putting it in position; as, if too much
is used it is worse than if too little is employed, because the oil
would then flow on to the setting, and from there _between_ the settings
at _b_, when it will rapidly be all drawn _from the bearing_, leaving it
dry, while the _settings_ are copiously supplied. The approximate
relative position which the oil should occupy is shown at _d_, Fig. 14,
in section; and this can be seen by looking through the jewels with a
double eye-glass, when a true circle, concentric with the jewel hole,
will be seen to have formed. This circle represents the limit of the
distance which the oil has flowed from the jewel hole. When too much oil
has been applied, this limit is not a circle, but represents a U.
In the example given, the upper surface of the cap jewel is made flat,
while the lower surface is made convex with a flat space in the center;
as a better view of the end of the pivot and the condition of the oil
can be thereby obtained.
_In no case should the contiguous surfaces of the hole and cap jewel be
both made flat_; as, when their planes are vertical, the oil will be
drawn downwards by gravitation (18), there being no counteracting force
(22) to keep the oil in place. The author has remedied this defect, in
many instances, by cutting a groove around the jewel, leaving only
enough metal near the jewel to hold it, and enough near the edge of the
setting to rest solidly against the other setting.
In some watches, particularly those of Swiss make, the jewel
bezels--both cap and hole--are brought well up around the jewel, while
_a groove is cut around the jewel bezel_. In this instance the oil may
be made to cover the whole inside surface of both jewels, as the groove
will prevent the oil from flowing away to parts where it is not
required.
The reprehensible practice of replacing a broken cap jewel by cutting
away the bezel and placing the new jewel in loosely, cannot be too
severely condemned. The new cheap foreign-made watches contain this
objectionable feature in many instances.
Where the jewels are in settings, sharp instruments, as tweezers, etc.,
should never be used to push the settings in place; as the projections
produced in this manner would not only injure the appearance of the
settings, but would prevent their close contact. Thoroughly _clean_,
well-finished jewel pushers are indispensable; as even pegwood is liable
to leave fibres at least.
The shape of the oiler is a matter of some importance; as with a
poorly-made oiler it is next to impossible to do work satisfactorily.
The tip is preferably of gold, tapering towards the end to about the
size of a second's hand pivot of an eighteen size American movement; but
at the end it should be about three times as wide and flat. A nickel
fastened to the end of a lead-pencil will give the idea approximately.
This large end will cause the oil to remain where it may be readily
applied to the bearing surface, instead of flowing back on the oiler
towards the handle, as it would (22, 7) if the point were tapering.
~59. The Stem Winding Mechanism~ should be thoroughly well made, always
keeping in view that the laws of capillary attraction must be complied
with.
Wherever an angle can be formed, with its apex pointing towards the
place where the oil is required to remain, it should be done.
A very good lubricant for stem wind parts is found in stearine, from
which the animal oils are expressed at cold temperatures, as it is very
thickly fluid at ordinary temperatures; while an _excellent_ lubricant
for this purpose is paraffine--not the wax nor the oil, but that white,
soft substance from which both are obtained (13 & 73). Stearine and
paraffine both possess great viscosity; and, though the fluid friction
is increased by their use, the solid friction is diminished. Then, too,
_the tendency to spread is very much less_.
~60. The Pendant~ is frequently a cause of trouble to the watchmaker. It
is very important that the winding stem be lubricated with a substance
that will not spread at ordinary temperatures. The lubricant should be
applied at all places where steel rubs on steel or other metal. The
winding stem and case spring, and the sleeve if present should have as
much as can be safely applied; as they are so much exposed that rust
often forms, which finds its way down through the movement, frequently
resulting in serious damage to the delicate parts. The bearings of
collet on stem and the pendant screw should also be lubricated.
Attention to these details will also prevent "that squeaking sound"
which, sometimes occurring shortly after a watch has been repaired,
causes the owner to believe that the work was not done properly.
The lubricants just mentioned (59) serve admirably for this purpose.
~61. The Cause of the Cutting of Pivots~, in addition to the effect of
friction (32, 1) and other causes which have been mentioned (49), may be
that minute currents of static electricity are induced between the
surfaces of the pivot and bearing, the oil acting as the electrolyte.
If this be the case, the cause of pivots turning black would appear to
be explained--the molecules of iron becoming electrically disassociated
from the molecules of carbon, the latter being by their nature black,
and being now on the surface in sufficient quantities to make themselves
evident, give the surface the black color. Such is the first stage of
"cutting."
The molecules of iron, becoming incorporated in the now thick and
viscous oil or imbedding themselves in the bearing, act as an abrasive;
the black surface is removed, making the pivot again bright, but
"ringed." The molecules of iron, uniting with the molecules of oxygen
which exist in the oil in its oxidized state, forms ferric oxide.
Ferric oxide is known as colcothar, English-Roth, rouge, crocus, etc.
The above theory is advanced by the author for what it may be worth, as
it seems to explain this curious phenomenon.
FOOTNOTES:
[11] Saunier. Watchmakers' Handbook.
CHAPTER V.
THE PROPERTIES AND RELATIVE VALUES OF LUBRICANTS IN HOROLOGY.
~62. Lubrication~ has for its objects, both the reduction of friction and
the prevention of excessive injury from wear; and the mechanician
resorts to the expedient of interposing between the rubbing surfaces a
substance having the lowest possible coefficient of friction with the
greatest possible capacity for preventing wear.
The valuable qualities of lubricants are determined by their power of
reducing friction, and by their endurance as well as that of the
surfaces on which they are used. The amount of frictional resistance to
the motion of machinery is obviously determined by the character of the
lubricating material.[12]
~63. The Animal Oils~ have had a wide and varied application in general
machinery, and much testimony might be produced to show the superiority
of any one kind over all the other kinds. Each variety has some
particular property which some of the others may not have to such a
degree.
~64. Porpoise Jaw Oil[13] and Blackfish Melon Oil~ have certain good
qualities which have made them very popular, particularly on this side
of the Atlantic. When properly refined (4-6) they are no doubt very
suitable for the work of reducing friction in small and delicate
mechanism.
~65. Sperm Oil~ (7) had been used to some extent as a lubricant for
time-keeping contrivances; in fact, many tower clock experts still
employ it on the heavier bearings. A. Long, writing to the British
Horological Journal, describes a trip to the Arctic regions in 1814 and
1815, in which he states that a certain portion of the sperm oil they
obtained never congealed, which they preserved and applied to their
chronometers, and thus kept them going through the winter.
Others have experimented with it, and it was at one time largely used;
while some tower clock makers claim that they find it satisfactory. It
is, however, open to the objection that it would produce serious
variation when used in time-keeping mechanisms, as its _viscosity varies
greatly with varying temperatures_ caused by the alteration of the
spermaceti it contains, thus causing sudden fluctuations of its
coefficient of friction (81). It also absorbs oxygen rapidly when it is
exposed to the air and loses quality seriously, gradually becoming
"gummed" or resinous. A gain of two to three per cent in weight in
twelve hours when exposed to the air at 140° F. (60 C), is caused by
this absorption of oxygen (10).
~66. Bone Oil~ (8) has been widely used both in this country and in
Europe, and possesses some good qualities, not the least of which is the
property of resisting evaporation and oxidation.
~67. Neatsfoot Oil~ (9) has been largely used, especially in Europe. The
writer regrets that he has not procured samples in order to ascertain
its relative value.
~68. Olive Oil~ (10) has at least one good quality. It is one of the most
perfectly non-drying of all the oils, resisting both oxidation and
evaporation (24). But it is next to impossible to entirely remove its
acid qualities, small traces of which remain after the most thorough
treatment. It is also liable to decomposition, generating acids even
after refinement.
~69. Mineral Oil~ (11) has been used as a lubricant for time keeping
mechanism; but as there are so many varieties on the market, each
differing from the others and possessing properties peculiar to itself,
and as many have made experiments which have not demonstrated that such
oils possess all the essential qualities of a perfect lubricant in
horology, the author believes that the abundance of kinds and qualities
of mineral oils has in the past been more or less confusing to the
majority of those who have experimented; and believes further, that if
the proper kind and quality of such oils had been used, all that could
be desired in a lubricant would have been shown to have been contained
therein.
Past experience has shown that many lubricants remained for years unused
for special purposes to which, when tried, they were found specially
adapted.
Though E. Rigg was probably in error in the matter previously discussed
(44) his otherwise excellent lecture contains the following:--[14]
"But there is another subject that has a still closer bearing on
friction as met with in time keeping instruments, and I cannot bring my
lecture to a close without reference to that most fruitful source of
trouble to the watchmaker--oil. Breguet, a very famous horologist, and
D'Arcet, an equally celebrated chemist, worked together at this problem
and what was the result? They produced an oil that was, according to
their theory, perfect; but when applied to watches it proved to be worse
than the ordinary oils of commerce. Since their day the chemistry of oil
has not made much progress, and the methods recommended for testing oil
are still very ineffectual. The only test of any use is actual trial for
a long period, and under varying conditions as to temperature, nature of
atmosphere, etc.; and there are several oils on the market more or less
satisfying the required conditions. So far as my knowledge goes,
however, all are liable to dry; and this prompts me to draw your
attention to a lubricator that has come into use for heavy machinery in
recent years, in the hope that it may afford a suggestion for the
improvement of watch oils. I allude to the mixture of certain kinds of
mineral oil with an oil that has a tendency to dry. Even a small
percentage is asserted to entirely check this tendency and the resulting
mixture is said to have the property of not in any way acting on or
damaging the metal to which it is applied. The thickness, or 'body,' is
made to vary according to the pressure to which the oil is subjected. *
* * * Would it be oversanguine to hope that some such mixture, prepared
from perfectly pure materials, might help even the chronometer maker to
secure more uniform rates? Absolute freedom from acidity means a
reduction of such electrical action as may occur at the pivots, and,
therefore, a greater permanency of the oil from this point of view."
~70. Neutral Oil~ (14) seems to be especially adapted for use in horology.
Used in a pure state, or mixed in variable quantities with a good animal
oil, it can readily be made to fulfill the various conditions required
in all parts of watches, chronometers, mantel and tower clocks.
It is usually sold as such, but sometimes under the names "liquid
paraffine," "glycoline," "albolene," etc., while "solid paraffine,"
"white cosmoline," "solid alboline," are the names given to the thick
butyraceous mass from which neutral oils are made. Sometimes this
substance, as well as the liquid paraffine, is medicated or perfumed;
but it is hardly necessary to state that when thus treated it is unfit
for use in horology.
~71. The Properties of Neutral Oil~ are stated to be:[15]
"It is a clear oily liquid, having a specific gravity of not less than
0.840 and boiling not below 360° C. (680° F.). It should be free from
colored, fluorescing, and odorous compounds.
"When heated for a day by means of a water bath, the paraffine should
not become dark colored, and the sulphuric acid should become only
slightly brownish. Metallic sodium treated in a similar manner should
retain its metallic lustre. Alcohol boiled with paraffine should not
have an acid reaction."
~72. The Properties of Solid Paraffine~ (13) are given as follows:[16]
"The melting point of commercial paraffine varies much. Obtained from
the residuum of petroleum distillation it is usually 43° C. (109.4 F.),
or somewhat higher."
The acid and metallic sodium tests given for liquid paraffine will apply
to the solid paraffine.
~73. The Value of a Lubricant~ _as_ a lubricant is independent of the
market price; and it is at a maximum, according to Thurston, when it
possesses the following characteristics:
1. Enough "body," or combined capillarity and viscosity (82), to keep
the surfaces between which it is interposed from coming in contact at
maximum pressures.
2. The greatest fluidity consistent with the preceding requirements, i.
e., the least fluid friction allowable.
3. The lowest possible coefficient of friction under the conditions in
actual use, i. e., the sum of the two components, solid and fluid
friction, should be a minimum.
4. A maximum capacity for receiving, transmitting, storing and carrying
away heat.
5. Freedom from tendency to decompose or to change in composition by
gumming or otherwise, on exposure to the air (79) while in use.
6. Entire absence of acid or other properties liable to produce injury
of materials or metals (77) with which they may be brought in contact.
7. A high temperature of vaporization and a low temperature (83) of
solidification.
8. Special adaptation as to speed and pressure of rubbing surfaces under
which the unguent is to be used.
9. It must be free from grit and from all foreign matter.
The author will add that for use in horology:
10. It must possess a minimum variation of viscosity (84) in varying
temperatures.
The writer can see no reason why a mineral oil which has been properly
refined _and of the proper consistency_, either alone or mixed with
animal oil, could not be used to great advantage in horology. Indeed,
the possibilities in this direction seem to be so pregnant with promises
of good results that some space will be devoted to the matter.
~74. The Special Advantages of Mineral Oils~ as lubricants in horology
are:
1. Mineral oils can be made entirely pure, and possess uniform and known
properties when derived from the same or a similar source; while the
quality of animal and vegetable oils varies from year to year,
depending, in animal oils, on the season of the year when the crude oil
is obtained, on the age and condition of the animal, and on the kind,
quality and quantity of food which it had (5) recently consumed; and in
vegetable oils on the season, soil, climate and method of treatment.
2. According to Thurston "All vegetable and animal oils are compounds of
glycerine with fatty acids. When they become old, decomposition takes
place and the acid is set free, by which action the oils become rancid.
This rancid oil or acid will attack and injure machinery. Again, all
animal oils contain more or less gummy matter, which accumulates when
exposed to the action of the atmosphere, and will, consequently, retard
the motion of the machinery."
3. Spon, in his Encyclopedia of the Arts, gives his views to the effect
that "The best oil is that which has the greatest adhesion to metallic
surfaces and the least cohesion in its own particles. In this respect
fine mineral oils stand first, sperm oil second, neatsfoot oil third.
Consequently the best mineral oils are the best for light bearings. The
best oil to give body to fine mineral oils is sperm oil."
4. "Mineral oils do not absorb oxygen," and consequently do not "gum" or
become viscous.--Thurston.
5. Mineral oils never become rancid in any climate, as they possess no
fatty acids.
6. Mineral oils produce very little fluid friction.
7. Mineral oils withstand a high temperature without decomposition or
vaporization, and a low temperature without solidification.
8. Properly prepared mineral oils are free from grit and all foreign
substances.
9. In addition to the above, a minor property of mineral oil is that
they are very cheap comparatively, while they do not possess any odor if
properly refined.
10. The variation of viscosity in varying temperatures is less in
mineral oils than in animal or vegetable oils.
~75. Methods of Testing Oils~ are necessary in order to determine which
may be adapted to a specific purpose. Their peculiar characteristics
must be studied in order to know which will best fulfill the conditions
arising in actual practice. Experiments are necessary in which the oil
is subjected to conditions approximating, as nearly as possible, to the
conditions proposed in its actual use.
Saunier states[17] that "success depends largely on the skill of the
manipulator; and if he is not endowed with the power of judging, _mainly
by the taste_, whether oil satisfies certain prescribed conditions, he
can never be certain of the result." As the author's abilities in this
regard are not up to the required standard, and as some oils are
sometimes in such a state of decomposition that even the odor is
unpleasant, he has used other, and perhaps more satisfactory, methods of
determining the relative values of the various oils.
The following experiments show the relative values of oils that have
been, or may be, used in horology:
J. J. Redwood has made experiments on the action of oils upon metals,
especially for the purpose of determining which oils were best adapted
for use on the various metals and for ascertaining which oils were most
suitable for mixing as lubricants. He has tabulated the results of his
researches in two tables, which show that:[18]
_Mineral oil_ has no effect upon copper and zinc, and attacks lead most.
_Olive oil_ attacks copper most, tin least.
_Sperm oil_ attacks zinc most, copper least.
The experiments show, on the other hand, that:
_Brass_ is attacked most by olive oil.
_Copper_ is not attacked by mineral lubricating oil, least by sperm
oil.[19] Dr. Watson states in regard to this action:
1. That of the oils used, viz., olive sperm, neat's-foot, and paraffine,
the samples of paraffine oil on copper was least affected, and that
sperm was next in order of inaction.
2. That the appearances of the paraffine oil and the copper were not
changed after an exposure of 77 days.
He later[20] experimented further with the following results noted,
after one day's exposure, with iron:--
1. _Neat's-foot._--Considerable brown irregular deposit on metal. The
oil slightly more brown than when first applied.
2. _Sperm._--Slight brown deposit with irregular markings on the metal.
Oil of dark brown color.
3. _Olive._--Clear and bleached by exposure to light and air. The
appearance of metal the same as when first immersed.
4. _Paraffine._--Oil bright yellow and contains a little brown deposit.
The action of oils on iron exposed to their action for twenty-four hours
and on copper after ten day's exposure was found to have been:--
TABLE II.
ACTION OF OILS ON METALS.
------------+----------------+-----------------
OILS. | IRON DISSOLVED | COPPER DISSOLVED
| IN 24 HOURS. | IN 10 DAYS.
------------+----------------+-----------------
Neat's foot | .0875 grain. | .1100 grain.
Sperm | .0460 " | .0030 "
Olive | .0062 " | .2200 "
Paraffine | .0045 " | .0015 "
------------+----------------+-----------------
~76. Various Experiments~ have been made by the writer with a number of
oils that may be, or have been, used in horology, as well as with the
principal watch oils on the market. At first he did not intend to
mention the names of the manufacturers; but, after seeking advice of
several eminent watchmakers, and on mature consideration, he decided to
do so for the following reasons:--
1. The object of the Society before which these lectures were
delivered[21] is "to promote and to secure concerted action for the
purpose of _mutual_ improvement in the practice of our profession as
horologists, by a study of both the practical and theoretical divisions
of the science and art of horology; _to publish the results of such
study for the benefit of all in the profession_; _to preserve the same
for the use of our successors_; to elevate the standard of workmanship;
and to encourage in the members a higher conception of what our art
really is."
As this object cannot be attained without the names of manufacturers
being mentioned in connection with their oils, the author considers that
this is sufficient justification.
2. No injustice can have been done the manufacturers when the author
states that the results obtained by him are not to be considered as
conclusive evidence regarding the properties of the oils tested, as the
samples he used may have been better than, or not so good as, the usual
output of the manufacturers whose names were on the labels.
3. Some of the manufacturers of oils sent samples subject to the
condition of the publication of the results, with the request that the
oils should be submitted to test, and if found wanting, they (the
manufacturers) certainly wished to know it.
TABLE III.
FOR REFERENCE.
[Transcriber's note: Table Split for Text file]
----------------------+----------------------------------------+
| MANUFACTURER. |
+----------------------------------------+
SYMBOLS | | |
EMPLOYED. | NAME. | LOCATION. |
| | |
----------------------+--------------------+-------------------+
[B]E. K. w | Ezra Kelley | New Bedford, Mass.|
| | |
| | |
[B]W. F. N. w | W. F. Nye | New Bedford, Mass.|
| | |
| | |
[A]D. C. S. w | D. C. Stull |Provincetown, Mass.|
| | |
| | |
[A]D. C. S. ch | D. C. Stull |Provincetown, Mass.|
| | |
| | |
[A]D. C. S. cl | D. C. Stull |Provincetown, Mass.|
| | |
| | |
[B]W. C. w | W. Cuypers | Dresden, Germany |
| | |
[A]B. & K. w | Breitinger & Kunz | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| | |
[A]S. B. & Co. wc |Stevenson Bro. & Co.| Philadelphia, Pa. |
| | |
[A]C. L. Co. w | Chem. Lub'g Co. | Brooklyn, N. Y. |
| | |
[A][C]C. L. Co. No . 1| Chem. Lub'g Co. | Brooklyn, N. Y. |
| | |
[A][C]Glyc | Bullock & Crenshaw | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| | |
[B][C]Alb. f | McKesson & Robbins | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| | |
[B][C]Alb. s | McKesson & Robbins | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| | |
[B][C]Sp | ----? | ----? |
| | |
[B][C]Ol | ----? | ----? |
----------------------+--------------------+-------------------+
---------------------+-------------------------------------------------------
| OIL.
|-----------------------------+--------------------------
SYMBOLS | | | SOURCE.
EMPLOYED. | KIND. | NAME. |--------------------------
| | | GENERIC.| SPECIFIC.
---------------------+-------------+---------------+---------+----------------
[B]E. K. w | Watch | Superfine | Animal | Porpoise jaw or
| | | |blackfish--melon
| | | |
[B]W. F. N. w | Watch | Superior | Animal | Porpoise jaw or
| | | |blackfish--melon
| | | |
[A]D. C. S. w | Watch | Superfine | Animal | Porpoise jaw or
| | | |blackfish--melon
| | | |
[A]D. C. S. ch | Chronometer | Superfine | Animal | Porpoise jaw or
| | | |blackfish--melon
| | | |
[A]D. C. S. cl | Clock | Superfine | Animal | Porpoise jaw or
| | | |blackfish--melon
| | | |
[B]W. C. w | Watch | Superfine | Animal | Bone
| | | |
[A]B. & K. w | Watch | Superfine | Animal | Bone
| | | |
[A]S. B. & Co. wc |Watch & clock| Album | Mineral | Neutral
| | | |
[A]C. L. Co. w | Watch | Perfect | Mixed |Neutral & ---- ?
| | | |
[A][C]C. L. Co. No. 1| Lubricating | No. 1 Synolene| Mineral | Neutral
| | | |
[A][C]Glyc | Lubricating | Glycolene | Mineral | Neutral
| | | |
[B][C]Alb. f | Lubricating |Fluid alboline | Mineral | Neutral
| | | |
[B][C]Alb. s | Lubricating |Solid alboline | Mineral | Paraffine
| | | |
[B][C]Sp | Lubricating | ----? | Animal | Sperm, whale
| | | |
[B][C]Ol | Lubricating | ----? |Vegetable| Olive
---------------------+-------------+---------------+---------+----------------
[Note A: Obtained as sample from manufacturer.]
[Note B: Purchased in open market.]
[Note C: Not sold as watch oil.]
4. On hearing of these experiments, others in the profession may be
tempted to make similar or other investigations and publish them.
5. In that case, if the results of many experiments demonstrate the
superiority of one particular kind of oil, the whole profession will be
profited thereby.
6. The manufacturers of oils may be caused to exert their utmost to keep
abreast of the times, and will see for themselves in what way their oils
may not fulfill the required conditions, thereby being the better
prepared to overcome the difficulties with which they meet.
For the sake of convenience the author has tabulated a list of the oils
which he has subjected to various tests, showing the name, kind and
source of each oil tested; also those which were obtained as samples,
and those which were purchased in open market, as well as those which
were not sold as watch oils, but which may be tried.
This is shown in table III.
~77. The Action Of Oils On Brass~ has been determined by the author by
using a piece of good sheet brass into which suitable recesses were made
for the retention of the various oils. This plate was submitted to the
action of the air at temperatures varying from 24° to 37.5° C. (about
76° to 100° F.), for 100 days.
The results of this test are shown in Table IV. A further test, under
different conditions, gave results as shown in Table V.
TABLE IV.
ACTION OF OILS ON BRASS.
Temp. 21° to 37.5° C. = 70° to 100° F. Time 100 days.
----------------+-------------------------------------
SYMBOLS | CONDITION.
ACCORDING TO +--------------+----------------------
TABLE III. | OF OIL. | OF BRASS.
----------------+--------------+----------------------
E. K. | Light brown. | Brown.
W. F. N. | " | "
W. C. | " | Light brown.
B. & K. | " | "
C. L. Co. w. | Spread. | "
C. L. Co. No. 1 | Unaltered. | "
Glyc. | " | "
Sp. | Light brown. | Greenish-brown.
Ol. | Green. | Dark greenish-brown.
----------------+--------------+----------------------
TABLE V.
ACTION OF OILS ON BRASS.
Temp. 5.5° to 21° C. = 40° to 70° F. Time 25 days.
---------------------+---------------------------------------
SYMBOLS | CONDITION.
ACCORDING TO +-------------------+-------------------
TABLE III. | OF OIL. | OF BRASS.
---------------------+-------------------+-------------------
E. K. w. | Very Light Brown. | No change.
W. F. N. w. | " " " | " "
D. C. S. w. | " " " | " "
D. C. S. ch. | " " " | " "
D. C. S. cl. | " " " | " "
W. C. w. | No change. | " "
B. & K. w. | " " | " "
S. B. & Co. w. & cl. | " " | " "
C. L. Co. w. | " " | " "
C. L. Co. No. 1 | " " | " "
Glyc. | " " | " "
Alb. f. | " " | Very light brown.
Alb. s. | " " | Unaltered.
---------------------+-------------------+-------------------
~78. The Effect of Oils on Steel~, with a view of ascertaining their rust
preventing properties, especially to see if the treatment of hairsprings
with a _very_ slight film of oil (56), would prevent rust in warm, damp
climates was ascertained by the author, as follows: Each of twelve brass
pins, stuck vertically in a block of wood, had a colleted hairspring on
its upper end. The block of wood was allowed to float in water and
covered by a glass. One hairspring was left as it came from the factory,
while each of the others had been treated with a solution of porpoise
jaw oil and benzine, varying proportions of one to ten per cent of oil
being used, the balance being benzine. The hairsprings were dipped into
the solution, and, on withdrawing, were immediately placed between two
folds of soft linen cloth. In any case not enough oil remained on the
hairsprings to cause the coils to adhere. One per cent of nitric acid
was added to the water, and after ten days the hairsprings showed on
examination that they had rusted in proportion to the amount of oil that
had been used. Another trial, without acid in the water, and with one
hairspring treated with ether, one with benzine, one each with one, two,
five and ten per cent of porpoise jaw oil in benzine, and one each with
the same quantity of mineral oil in benzine, showed after thirty days
that the hairspring treated with ten per cent mineral oil was slightly
rusted, while those treated with ether and benzine were badly rusted,
and all the others were rusted more or less.
~79. The Gumming and Drying of Oils~ is a very important consideration,
the former being caused by oxidation, while the latter is due to
evaporation.
In order to determine these properties in various oils the author used a
number of watch glasses, their convex side being glued to a board. Two
drops of oil were placed in each watch glass and spread over its concave
surface, and the board placed in a covered box in which suitable air
holes had been made, and allowed to remain in a temperature varying from
21° to 37.5° C. (= 70° to 110° F.) for 100 days, and at the end of that
time the results shown in table VI were noted.
TABLE VI.
GUMMING AND DRYING OF OILS.
Temp. 21° C. to 37.5° C. = 70° F. to 110° F. Time 100 Days.
--------------------------------+-----------------------------
SYMBOLS ACCORDING TO TABLE III. | CONDITION.
--------------------------------+-----------------------------
E. K. w. | Slightly dried.
W. F. N. w. | Very slightly dried.
W. C. w. | Slightly gummed.
B. & K. w. | No change.
C. L. Co. w. | Slightly dried, and spread.
C. L. Co. No. 1. | No change.
Glyc. | No change.
Sp. | Slightly gummed.
Ol. | No change.
--------------------------------+-----------------------------
~80. The Viscosity Of Oils~ denotes an approximate measurement of their
relative lubricating power.
Professor Thurston states[22] that "large consumers of oil sometimes
purchase on the basis of this kind of test solely. It is regarded as
satisfactory and reliable as any single physical or chemical test known,
and is second only to the best testing machine methods.
The less the viscosity, consistently with the use of the oil under the
maximum pressure to be anticipated, the less is, usually, the friction.
The best lubricant, as a rule, is that having the least viscosity
combined with the greatest adhesiveness. Vegetable oils are more viscous
than animal, and animal more so than mineral oils. _The fluidity of an
oil is thus, to a large extent, a measure of its value._"
The relation between the viscosity and the friction reducing power of
oils has been determined by Mr. N. C. Waite[23] and others to be very
close.
An oil having little viscosity is suitable for the escapement and
lighter parts of the train, but is not a good lubricant for the bearings
of the center pinion and barrel arbor and the mainspring, which require
a more viscous lubricant; while a still greater viscosity renders it
more serviceable on the stem winding mechanism (59) and in the pendant
(60).
Again, an oil that possesses sufficient "body," or combined capillarity
(32) and viscosity, to resist the tendency to be "squeezed" from between
the bearing surfaces in the heavier parts of the mechanism will produce
a _great excess of fluid friction_ in the lighter parts of the train and
in the escapement.
~81. The Relative Viscosity of Oils~ is determined in several ways.
Various machines have been devised for testing the lubricating
properties of oils, but as the cheap ones are of no use, and as those
which are reliable are so expensive as to prohibit their general use
except in laboratories and large factories, a simple method of
ascertaining the relative viscosity of oils is desirable.
The author used a piece of plate glass of suitable size on which one
drop of each oil to be tested was placed near its end. The glass
inclined from the horizontal, longitudinally--the angle of inclination
being 6 degrees--and was placed in a constant temperature of 15.5° C. (=
60° F.)
The total distance in centimeters which each had traveled by the end of
each day, as well as the appearance of the "track" which it had left is
shown in table VII.
TABLE VII.
RELATIVE VISCOSITY AND GUMMING OF OILS.
Temp. 15.5° C. = 60° F. Inclination 6 degrees. Time 7 days.
----------------+---------------------------------------+-----------
SYMBOLS | DISTANCE IN CM. |
ACCORDING TO | TRAVELED BY OIL AT THE END | WIDTH
TABLE III. | OF EACH DAY. | OF
| | TRACK.
----------------+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----------
DAYS. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
----------------+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----------
E. K. w. |16 |18 |Stat.| ... | ... | ... | 18 | Medium.
W. F. N. w. |15 |16.5| 18 | 19 | 20 |Stat.| 20 | "
W. C. w. |17.5|19 | 20 |Stat.| ... | ... | 20 | Narrow.
B. & K. w. |12.5|15 | 17.5| 20 |Stat.| ... | 20 | "
C. L. Co. w. | 7.5|10 | 12.5| 15 | 17.5|Stat.| 17.5| Very wide.
C. L. Co. No. 1.|15 |16.5| 18 |Stat.| ... | ... | 18 | Medium.
Glyc. |15 |16.5| 18 |Stat.| ... | ... | 18 | "
Sp. | 0 | 2.5| 5 | 7.5| 9 | 10 | 11 | Narrow.
Ol. | 5 | 6.5| 7 |Stat.| ... | ... | 7 | "
----------------+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----------
Table VII not only shows the relative viscosity of the various oils, but
also their tendency to gum or dry (79.) The "width of the track" left by
the oil is an indication of the cohesion (20) and adhesion (21) which
exists, respectively, in the oil and between the oil and the glass. A
narrow track denotes great cohesion and little adhesion; a wide track
denotes great adhesion and little cohesion; while a medium track
indicates that both properties are more nearly equal.
If an oil possess great adhesion and little cohesion it is more liable
to resist the tendency to be squeezed out of bearings, but it is also
more likely to spread.
Another test made in the manner just described (table VII) gave results
as shown in table VIII:
TABLE VIII.
RELATIVE VISCOSITY AND GUMMING OF OILS.
Temp. 24° C. = 75° F. Inclination 7 degrees. Time 7.3 days.
------------------+------------------------------------------
SYMBOLS | DISTANCE IN CM.
ACCORDING TO | TRAVELED BY THE OIL AT THE END
TABLE III. | OF EACH DAY.
------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+-----+------
DAYS. | 0.3| 1.3| 2.3| 3.3| 4.3| 5.3| 6.3 | 7.3
------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+-----+------
E. K. w. |14 |23 |26.5|28.5|29.5|31.5|32.5 |33
W. F. N. w. |12.5|20 |26.5|29 |31 |32.5|33.5 |34
W. C. w. |19 |24 |26.5|28 |29 |30.5|32 |33
B. & K. w. |14 |17.5|25 |27 |29.5|31.5|33 |33.5
S. B. & Co. w. c. |10 |20 |26 |26.5|27 |27.5|28 |28.5
C. L. Co. w. |29 |38 |40.5|42.5|43 |43.5|Stat.|43.5
C. L. Co. No. 1. |17.5|23 |27 |28 |29 |30 |31 |32
Glyc. |17.5|23 |28 |30 |32 |34 |35 |35.2
Alb. f. |15 |20 |29 |33 |35 |37 |38 |38.5
------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+-----+------
The author once heard a watchmaker say to a customer, when the latter
called for a clock which had been left for repairs, "I have cleaned your
clock thoroughly; and, as you are a good customer, I made as good a job
of it as I could. _I even oiled it with watch oil._" This watchmaker
evidently _thought_ he was right. It is hardly necessary to mention that
a stock of oils of different viscosity should be kept on hand and
intelligently used; the different bearings in any time keeping mechanism
requiring oils of different viscosity. It is not to be supposed that the
author means _each_ bearing in a watch is to have a separate oil
applied; but a distinction should be made between the light and heavy
pressures.
~82. The Effect Of Heat On Oils~ is very marked in all cases; some oils
being much more subject to change than others, in viscosity and other
properties, under the influence of an increase of temperature.
The lubricating power of an oil is decreased, while its tendency to
spread is increased, with a rise of temperature. In order to ascertain
the relative values of various oils in this respect the writer used a
plate of glass 28 cm. x 40 cm., placed it flat on a table, and,
depositing one drop of each oil near one of its longer edges, allowed it
to remain in a temperature of 21° C. (= 70° F.) for 30 minutes. At the
end of this time the glass plate was placed in a vertical position, with
its edge near which the drops of oil had been deposited uppermost and
horizontal. The time required by each oil to run down to the bottom, a
distance of 25 cm., was noted. The width of the track, at a point 3 cm.
from the location of the drop at the start, was measured when the oil
had passed that point, and again measured _at the same point_ when the
oil had reached the bottom.
The same test was repeated, with all the conditions similar except that
the temperature of the room was raised to 38° C. (= 100° F.) before the
oil was placed on the glass; but the glass was allowed to remain in this
temperature also for 30 minutes.
The results of both experiments are shown in table IX.
TABLE IX.
RELATIVE VISCOSITY, COHESION AND ADHESION OF OILS.
Temp. 21° C.(= 70° F.) and 38° C. (= 100° F.) Inclination Vertical.
-----------------+----------------+---------------------------------------
SYMBOLS |MINUTES REQUIRED| WIDTH OF TRACK IN MM. AT A POINT
ACCORDING TO | TO FLOW 25 CM. | 3 CM. BELOW STARTING
TABLE III. |AT A TEMPERATURE| PLACE WHEN THE OIL HAD FLOWED
| OF |
| +-----------------+---------------------
| |Temp. 21°C(=70°F.)|Temp. 38°C.(=100°F.)
-----------------|-------+--------+-------+---------+--------+------------
| 21°C. | 38°C. | | | |
|=70°F. |=100°F. | 3 CM.| 25 CM. | 3 CM. | 25 CM.
-----------------+-------+--------+-------+---------+--------+------------
E. K. w. | 21 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
W. F. N. w. | 18 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
D. C. S. w. | 20 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
D. C. S. ch. | 15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
D. C. S. cl. | 20 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
W. C. w. | 13 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 1
B. & K. w. | 13 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0
S. B. & Co. w. c.| 15 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8
C. L. Co. w. | 17 | 15 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8
C. L. Co. No. 1. | 15 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5
Glyc. | 14 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8
Alb. f. | 14 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6
Sp. | 10 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0
Ol. | 14 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 1
-----------------+-------+--------+-------+---------+--------+------------
While the relative viscosity of oils in varying high temperatures is
shown in table IX, the width of the track indicates the same properties
as were explained in reference to table VII. Thus it is seen that the
third and fifth columns of figures denote the relative adhesion of the
oils, approximately according to the value of the figures; while the
fourth and sixth columns exhibit their relative cohesion, and absence of
adhesion, approximately according to the inverse value of the figures.
Thus the tendency of the oil to spread, in the warm temperature to
which time keeping mechanisms are frequently subjected, is indicated.
~83. The Effect Of Cold On Oils~ is very observable in some varieties,
converting them into greases, or even into hard, waxy solids. For
out-of-door work unguents must be selected that will "feed" at any
temperature to which they are exposed in the working of the bearings to
which they are applied.
The author has subjected various oils to a low degree of temperature,
using a sufficient number of thin glass test tubes of 3 cubic
centimeters capacity,[24] into each of which 2 cubic centimeters of the
oils to be tested were poured. The test tubes were then tightly corked
and properly secured to a thin board, and placed in a temperature of
-15° C. (= 5° F.) the condition of the oils being noted at various
intervals, the result of which is shown in table X.
~84. The Variations of Viscosity of Oils in Varying Temperatures~ always
create fluctuations of their friction reducing power; while the
variations of fluid friction which result are also of great importance
in horology. When it is known that the viscosity and lubricating power
of an oil are usually (80) very closely related, it is seen that change
of temperature has an exceedingly important effect upon oils, even for
general lubricating purposes; but particularly so when they are applied
to small and delicate mechanisms.
An oil of the proper viscosity at ordinary temperatures may be very
unsuitable in an extreme of heat, or cold, to which timepieces are
frequently subjected--on account of being too limpid in high
temperatures to properly separate the rubbing surfaces; while in low
temperatures it may become so viscous as to seriously impede the motion
of the escapement and the lighter parts of the train.
TABLE X.
RELATIVE EFFECT OF COLD ON OILS.
Temp. -15° C. (= 5° F.) Time of Exposure = 6 hours
-----------------+------------------------------------------
SYMBOLS |
ACCORDING TO | CONDITION OF OIL.
TABLE III. |
-----------------+-------+-------+-------+--------+---------
TIME. |15 MIN.|30 MIN.|1 HOUR.|6 HOURS.|ORDER OF
| | | | |VISCOSITY
-----------------+-------+-------+-------+--------+---------
E. K. W. w. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 2
W. F. N. w. | ... | ... | t-f. | t-f. | 4
D. C. S. w. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 2
D. C. S. ch. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 2
D. C. S. cl. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | 6
W. C. w. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 2
B. & K. w. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 2
S. B. & Co. w. c.| ... | ... | ... | ... | 1
C. L. Co. w. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | 5
C. L. Co. No. 1. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | s-s. | 7
Glyc. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1
Alb. f. | ... | ... | ... | ... | 3
Sp. | s-s. | s-s. | s. | v-s. | 8
Ol. |v-t-f. | s-s. | s. | v-s. | 9
-----------------+-------+-------+-------+--------+--------
T. F. = Thickly fluid; or like honey. V. T. F. = Very
thickly fluid; or like jelly. S. S. = Semi-solid; or like
butter at 60° F. S. = Solid; or like butter at freezing
point. V. S. = Very solid; or like paraffin wax.
The figures in the last column denote the apparent relative
viscosity, as ascertained by inverting the test tubes
repeatedly.
[Illustration: Fig. 15]
Again, even if the oil were viscous enough in high temperatures to
resist the tendency to be "squeezed" out of the bearings, the _rate_ of
the timepiece would be seriously affected by the variation of solid and
fluid friction--especially the latter--caused by a variable viscosity of
the oil.
When a watch, chronometer or clock has been so adjusted as to keep a
_maximum even rate_, the oil is one of the factors of the variation
which has been overcome; and it is obvious that if another oil be used,
in which a greater or less variation of viscosity exists than in the oil
with which such timepiece was lubricated prior to adjustment, the
variation so produced will be more or less observable.
It is, then, evidently necessary to be able to ascertain, with the
greatest possible exactness, what change in this respect is produced in
the various oils by a change of temperature. The means previously given
(81-83) have their value; but when supplemented by a method for
determining the particular property under consideration, the results
obtained are exceedingly interesting and valuable. On account of the
importance of this matter the author has made investigations in this
direction, using a "viscosimeter" as shown at Fig. 15, and of which the
following is a description:
AA represents an ordinary retort stand, with adjustable arms, BB, for
holding in position the thermometer C, and the funnel DD capable of
holding about one pint of water. EE is the viscosimeter proper, a glass
tube, swollen at the lower end, and terminating in a circular orifice of
1 millimeter (= .04 inch) in diameter;[25] being a "pipette" holding one
cubic centimeter of oil between the dotted lines U and O.
F is a flexible gum elastic tube fitting with an air-tight joint to the
upper end of the glass tube. The funnel is closed at its lower end by a
tightly-fitting cork H, in which an opening is made, through which
opening the pipette passes and projects slightly below. G is a small,
shallow vessel, preferably of glass, of sufficient capacity to receive
the contents of the pipette. S is a syphon composed of a glass tube in
two sections--united by a short piece of rubber tube on which the
device P pinches by the adjustment of the lever L--the bent section
beginning near the bottom of the funnel, while the straight section
terminates below the level of the table on which the retort stand is
placed.
In operating with this, the author proceeded as follows: The funnel was
partially filled with water, and hot water added until its temperature
reached 43° C. (= 110° F). A sufficient quantity of the oil to be tested
was placed in the glass vessel G, and drawn into the viscosimeter by
gentle suction of the mouth until it exactly reached the line U, where
it was retained, by a slight pressure with the thumb and finger, for
five minutes, the temperature of the water in the funnel being kept
constant. At the end of that time, after being sure that all the
conditions as to temperature and quantity of oil were satisfied, the
pressure of the thumb and finger was relaxed, when the oil began to drop
through the lower end of the pipette.
The time required for the upper surface of the oil to fall from U to O
was carefully ascertained by means of a "stop watch," and the number of
seconds noted. In case of doubt the test was repeated.
The temperature of the water in the funnel was then lowered by the
addition of ice, to 38° C. (= 100° F.), when the operation was again
performed as just described. This was repeated at regular intervals of
temperature down to 4° C. (= 40° F), when the water was again heated,
the pipette thoroughly cleansed by introducing benzine into the pipette
in a manner similar to that by which the oil was introduced. The surplus
water which accumulated in the funnel was allowed to escape through the
syphon by relaxing the lever of the pinching device. It is obvious that
the number of seconds, in each case, corresponds to the viscosity. Other
oils were put through the same course, the results obtained being shown
in table XI.
TABLE XI.
RELATIVE VARIATIONS OF VISCOSITY OF OILS IN VARYING TEMPERATURES.
-----------------+----------------------------------------------
SYMBOLS | SECONDS REQUIRED FOR 1 C. C. OF OIL TO FLOW
ACCORDING TO | THROUGH AN ORIFICE OF 1 MM. (= .04 IN.)
TABLE III. |
---------+-------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| CENT. | 4.5| 10 | 15.5| 21 | 26.5| 32 | 37.5| 43
TEMP.{A} +-------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| FAHR. | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 110
---------+-------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
E. K. w. | 25 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 8.5| 7 | 6
W. F. N. w. | 27 | 20 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6
D. C. S. w. | 32 | 23.5| 19 | 15 | 12.5| 11.5| 9.5| 8
D. C. S. ch. | 28 | 23 | 17 | 14 | 11.5| 9 | 7 | 6
D. C. S. cl. | 29 | 20 | 17 | 14.5| 11 | 8.5| 7 | 6.5
W. C. w. | 24 | 20 | 18 | 13 | 11.5| 10 | 8 | 7
B & K. w. | 46 | 35 | 25 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 11.5|10
S. B. & Co. w. c.| 21 | 16 | 11.5| 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6.5
C. L. Co. w. | 14 | 10 | 9 | 6.5| 5 | 4.5| 4 | 3.5
C. L. Co. No. 1. | 32 | 28 | 12.5| 10 | 8.5| 7.5| 6.5| 6
Glyc. | 19 | 13 | 10 | 9.5| 7.5| 6.5| 5.5| 5
Alb. f. | 25 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6.5| 5.5
-----------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
[Note A: The readings of the Centigrade and Fahrenheit scales given here
are not exactly equivalent; but they are near enough for all practical
purposes.]
~85. Mixed Oils~ have been tried by many who have been desirous of
obtaining a better lubricant. A mixture of different kinds of animal or
vegetable oils--or a combination of both--has usually proved worse than
any single one of the components; as, when it is known that
"alterations[26] of composition occur in the animal and vegetable oils
with exposure to air and light and with advancing age" (74-2), it is
obvious that this chemical action is accelerated by a mixture.
The mineral oils are not subject to such alterations to any serious
extent; and, when they are compounded with animal or vegetable oils, the
resulting mixture partakes of the good qualities of both, according to
experiments which the author has made. It would make this paper[27] too
lengthy to insert the results; however, a future opportunity may not be
wanting.
~86. Various Manufacturers~ of watches, chronometers and clocks, have
favored the writer with more or less valuable information in answer to
queries on the subject, which has been tabulated and which is shown in
table XII.
It is necessary to know just what kind of oil has been used by the
manufacturer of a time piece for three reasons:--
(1.) If some of the bearings need a small quantity of oil, being
otherwise in such good condition--because of never having been used, in
fact "new"--that it is unnecessary to take all the mechanism apart and
clean it, it is very important that the operator know what kind, or
variety, of lubricant has been previously used, in order not to "mix
oils;" or, if a mixture is thus made, to make it intelligently. (85.)
(2.) When the oil which has been applied in the factory has not
performed its functions properly in any part of a time piece, it is
necessary to know what particular variety of lubricant has been used in
order to substitute an oil which possesses the properties lacked by the
oil previously used. (61.)
(3.) In a watch which has been so adjusted as to keep a maximum even
rate, the oil is one of the factors of the variation which has been
overcome. It is necessary, then, on putting the watch in order, to
employ a lubricant which possesses the same variation of viscosity as
the oil which was used during adjustment. (84.)
Some other interesting facts are shown in table XII, as well as the
foregoing. The queries were as follows:--
QUESTIONS ASKED.
1. What oil do you use?
2. What oils have you tried?
3. What has been your experience with mixed oils?
4. Do you use the same grade of oil on all parts of your ----?
5. If not, what is your practice?
6. What amount of oil do you use annually?
The answers are given in Table XII.
~87. Impurities in Oils~ and all foreign matter exert a very injurious
effect. The method of sealing the bottles with sealing wax or gum labels
should be avoided; the former, as the wax is brittle and liable to break
in very fine pieces which lodge around the cork from whence they get
into the oil; and the latter because the gum with which it is caused to
adhere remains on the bottle, only to be absorbed by the oil.
Paraffin wax makes a very good sealing material, as it is not brittle,
and keeps the oil protected from the air. An extra long cork should
accompany each bottle.
TABLE XII.--ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.
=============+==========+==========+=========+=====+==============+========
MANUFACTURER.| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | | | | Heavier oil |
American | | | | | on barrel | 8
Waltham |Several. |Several. | Small. | No. | arbors and | quarts
Watch Co. | | | | | winding |
| | | | | Wheels. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| |Kelley's. | | | Light oil on |
Elgin |Smith's on| Cook's. | | | escapements, |
National |fine work.| Nye's. | | No. | and oil with | 1-1/2
Watch Co. | Nye's. |Wheeler's.| | | more body in |gallons.
| |Smith's. | | | mainspring |
| | | | | boards. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Hampden | | |Unsatis- | | |
Watch |Kelley's. |Kelley's. | factory |Yes. | |
Co. | | | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Illinois | |Kelley's. | Do not | | |
Watch | Nye's. | Cook's. |use Mixed| | | 3
Co. | | And | Oils. | | |quarts.
| | others. | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | | | | Chronometer |1 gross
New | | Nye's. | | | oil on stem- |bottles
Columbus | Nye's. |Kelley's. | None. | No. | wind and do |regular
Watch Co. | | | | | no experi- | size.
| | | | | menting. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | | | | Watch oil on |
New York | | | | |train pivots, | 2
Standard |Kelley's. |Kelley's. | None. | No. | and clock |quarts
Watch Co. | | | | | oil on stem | each.
| | | | | wind. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| |Kelley's | | | |
Rockford |Kelley's. | Ayer's. | |Yes. | |
Watch Co. | |Guyjers? | | | |
| |Smith's. | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Trenton | Nye's. | | |Yes. | |
Watch Co. | | | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| |Kelley's. | | | |
Waterbury | Smith's. | Nye's. | Not a | | | 1
Watch Co. | | Smith's. |Success. |Yes. | |gallon.
| | And | | | |
| | others. | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | | |Yes. |Watches, light|
| | | | | grade. |
Seth Thomas | Nye's. | Most | None. |Yes. | Clocks, |
Clock Co. | | others. | | |medium grade. |
| | | |Yes. |Tower Clocks, |
| | | | | heavy grade. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
TABLE XII.--ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.--CONTINUED.
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Manufacturer.| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | Steven- | | | On all bear- |
| | son's. | | |ings the same |
{1}|Sine Dolo | Black- | None. | No. | oil, but on | 1
| | fish. | | | mainspring |gallon.
E. Howard | |Porpoise- | | | a rock oil. |
Watch & | |jaw. Rock.| | | |
Clock Co. +----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
{2}|Kelley's. | | None. |Yes. | | 1
| | | | | |gallon.
+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
{3}|Rock Oil. | | Satis- |Yes. | | 10
| | |factory. | | |gallons.
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | | | |Light oil for |
H. H. Hein- | |Every kind|Unsatis- | | small pivots |
rich,Chrono- | Stull's. | in the |factory. | No. | and heavier |1 pint.
meter Maker. | | market. | | |oil for larger|
| | | | | pivots. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | Stull's. | |Yes. |A light oil on|
New Haven | Stull's. | Black- |Unsatis- | |clock-watches.| 20
Clock Co. |Kelley's. | fish. |factory. +-----+--------------+gallons.
| |Porpoise. | |Yes. |A heavy oil on|
| | | | | clocks. |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Ingraham | | Rock. |Unsatis- | | | 12
Clock Co. |Porpoise. | Mixed. |factory. |Yes. | |gallons.
| | | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
| | Stull's. | | | |
Waterbury | Stull's. | Smith's. | None. |Yes. | | 15-20
Clock Co. | | Steven- | | | | gals.
| | son's. | | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
Wm. L. Gil- | | Nye's. | | | |
bert Clock | Nye's. | Smith's. | | | | 10-12
Co. | |Kelley's. | | | | gals.
| |Comstock's| | | |
-------------+----------+----------+---------+-----+--------------+--------
[Note 1: Watch.]
[Note 2: Regulator.]
[Note 3: Tower Clock.]
Then again some workmen leave the oil bottle standing open, which is
obviously a very careless proceeding. The author has seen a bottle one
quarter full of dust, the oil still being used from the top. When oil is
to be placed in the oil-cup, it should be done by using a small, clean
glass rod--kept for the purpose--and never poured out of the bottle.
The oil cup should always have the cover on except when taking oil from
it. Before it is refilled it should be very carefully cleaned.
The oiler should be perfectly clean, that kind which has a hexagonal nut
on the handle and a gold tip being very excellent. Some careless workmen
wipe the oiler on the back of the hand, on the clothes, on a dirty rag,
on an old chamois, etc. The tip of the oiler should never touch the hand
or fingers, as the acids in the perspiration are sure to cause a bad
effect on the oil.
The following is a list of "oilers" which the author has seen used:--Peg
wood, broom straw, quill, toothpick, match-stick, screw driver,
tweezers, rat-tail file, piece of copper wire, horse-shoe nail, steel
pen.
If dust be on the bench paper, or in the movement tray, the pivots will
surely transfer some of it to the bearings when the wheels are being put
to place.
The scape-wheel, mainspring and other parts, the rubbing surfaces of
which may come in contact with the fingers, should be so handled as to
allow no perspiration to become deposited on any surface which may
afterwards require oiling, as the acids contained in the perspiration
will exert an injurious effect on the oil.
The owners of watches sometimes subject them to very hard treatment by
using perfumes, etc., and then some people perspire more than others,
while the perspiration of some persons contains more acids, or is more
rancid, than that of others. For these reasons the method of testing oil
by putting it on watches kept to loan to customers as Saunier recommends
cannot be relied on.
Oils should be kept in a clean, cool, dark place. The wrapper or label
on the bottle should be dark blue or black, to exclude all light, as, if
this is not done, the oil will be more liable to decomposition, except
in the case of a mineral oil, which is not affected by light. All
vegetable and animal oil which has been "bleached" by exposure to the
light is more liable to decomposition on exposure to air than that which
is unbleached.
~88. The Effect of Age on Oils.~ Writing on this subject Mr. Henry G.
Abbott[28] states as follows: "There is a popular fallacy existing in
the trade that oils should be used when fresh, and even that
acknowledged authority, Saunier, says, 'do not buy from motives of
economy bottles that have laid for years in the shop.' This may be true
and probably is in regard to animal and vegetable oils, which are likely
to become rancid if kept for a long time, but William F. Nye, one of the
largest and most celebrated manufacturers of fine watch and chronometer
oils in the world, declares that blackfish oils are improved by age, and
his oils are seldom placed on the market in the same year as obtained.
We are indebted to the same authority for the statement that oils of
this kind are clearer and more brilliant after some years than fresh
oils." Though Mr. Abbott has made some very valuable additions to the
literature of the profession, the author begs permission to call
attention, in reference to this, to the following facts:
Mr. Abbott says that vegetable and _animal_ oils are likely to become
rancid if kept for a long time, but _blackfish_ oils are not. Brant[29]
states that the porpoise or _Phocoena communis_, Cuv., and the
blackfish, or _Phocoena globiceps_, are of the subdivision
_Delphinodea_, or dolphins, of the family of _Cetacea_, or whales, an
order of the vertebrated mammiferous marine _animals_. Adler Wright[30]
states that "the term 'train oil,' strictly speaking, applies to any oil
extracted from the blubber of cetaceans and the allied marine mammalia,
such as the seal, porpoise, dolphin and walrus." Huxley classes among
cetacea the dolphins, porpoises, grampus and narwhal. Authorities might
be quoted _ad infinitum_ to show, not only that porpoise-jaw oil and
blackfish-melon oil _are animal oils_, but that they possess properties
similar to other animal oils as far as their liability to decompose by
age, more or less, is concerned.
Furthermore, Thurston[31] states that "all vegetable and animal oils are
compounds of glycerine and the fatty acids. When they become old
decomposition takes place, and acid is set free, by which action, as is
commonly said, the oils become rancid." Thus Saunier is borne out in his
admonition.
~89. In Conclusion~, the author wishes to state, that as he has been able
to find but little in the literature of the craft in English, French or
German, he has pursued the study of the "properties and relative values
of lubricants in horology" upon lines which have suggested themselves as
being best adapted to give good results. As much that is herein
contained is new and original in its application in horology, the
theories advanced may be in some respects incorrect. The tests of
various oils have, no doubt, been subject to personal error; but it has
been the earnest desire of the author to give the subject the attention
it deserves.
In order that truth may prevail and that justice may be done to the
various manufacturers of oils, as well as to the author and his subject,
he will again request criticism through the trade press in any matter in
which he may seem to be at fault. He further wishes that others may
become interested, and that the makers and repairers of watches,
chronometers and clocks, as well as the manufacturers of oil, will
further assist in these investigations by making similar or other
experiments, and report the result of the same through the trade press
in order that this very important subject may be thoroughly understood.
In furtherance of this object the author will furnish samples of oils
_free_ to anyone wishing to make experimental tests of _any_ kind, on
condition that the results of such tests shall be published or
communicated to the author for future publication. Address, W. T. Lewis,
President Philadelphia Horological Society, Philadelphia, Pa.
FOOTNOTES:
[12] Thurston. Friction and Lost Work in Machinery.
[13] As the fish from which these oils are obtained are of the mammalia
order, their oils are classed among the animal oils.
[14] The Horological Journal, Apr., 1881. Vol. xxiii. Page 98.
[15] Pharmacopoea Germanica. 1882.
[16] The National Dispensatory. 1884.
[17] Saunier, Watchmaker's Hand-Book, p. 104, Eng. Edition; p. 129, Am.
Edition.
[18] Brannt. Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils.
[19] Paper read in the Chemical Section, British Association, Plymouth
Meeting, 1879.
[20] Swansea Meeting. British Association, 1880.
[21] This work is compiled from a course of lectures delivered by the
author before the Philadelphia Horological Society, 1896.
[22] Thurston. Friction and Lost Work in Machinery.
[23] Proceedings N. E. Cotton Manufacturers' Association, Nov. 28, 1880.
[24] The average teaspoon holds 5 cubic centimeters.
[25] 1 millimeter = .039 + inch.
[26] Thurston. Friction and Lost Work in Machinery.
[27] This work is compiled from a series of papers read and lectures
delivered by the author before the Philadelphia Horological Society,
1896.
[28] Abbott. The American Watchmaker and Jeweler, 1892, page 249.
[29] Brant. Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils, pages 297-299.
[30] Adler Wright. Oils, Fats and Waxes, and Their Manufactured
Products, p. 292-293.
[31] "Friction and Lost Work in Machinery."
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