When re assembling 18s movement I have trouble with the pallet fork during assembly with some movements because of the balance wheel bottom jewel hub have been removing top pallet jewel before assembly to manipulate it into the hub easier but still concerned about bending pallet pivot or dislocating pallet jewel any one got an easy way to install pallet fork during assembly

I turn the top plate upside down and put the pallet fork on it. I use a small piece of rodico to hold it in place. Then I turn the top plate over and assemble it to the bottom plate. Works great. IHC member Gene Buffard taught me that.

I talked to another watchmaker who assembles everything to the top plate, then attaches the bottom plate. He basically does the entire assembly upside down.

Good luck.

Thanks makes sense always dreaded the fitting of the pallet fork can see how this way will make it easier thanks heaps

Assemble everything on the top plate, then put the bottom plate on.

Hi JefF , Rodico is my favorite , another method is a C-shaped clip that can be made from an old mainspring and used like this picture shows,I hope this helps

Thanks fellas going to try rodico when cools down heat wave here at the moment
Guess I been assembling upside down you get that when you live down under lol

A heat wave ! last week we did not get over freezing !

Tried as suggested lot easier thanks
Over there you getting minus degrees where I am last 25 days 42 degrees max or better 3 days over 50 deg
Cheers and thanks fellas

I have a spring like Kevin has pictured. I have come up with a system I use and like. I have a small round magnet a little larger than a BB and I put it on the outside of the plate in the pallet fork jewel and it hold the pallet fork in any position I move the plate. I always demagnetize the watch so it does not hurt anything. I would not try this method unless you have a way to demagnetize the watch.

Harry

Rodico, springs and magnets? You guys are scaring me. An 18s movement should be put together on the top plate, then put on the bottom plate. None of the above things mentioned needs to be used.

Is heaps easier to Assemble parts on top plate though I found a bit of rodico on pallet leaver end steady pallet laver so pallet jewels don't get caught up in escape wheel and is easy to remove thanks for everyone's advise