The Watchmakers’ Lathe

Description: The objectives of this course are to completely service the typical 8mm watchmaker’s lathe with cone bearings, the universal brushed motor which often accompanies lathes, and the foot pedal/rheostat. Service includes disassembly, cleaning, polishing of worn surfaces and reassembly with needed adjustments to render an old lathe in good running condition again. Discussion will include common wear points and issues which will result in a lathe, motor, or foot pedal being unrepairable or unusable.

Equipment: You are encouraged to bring your own watchmaker’s lathe with you. However, if you do not have a watchmakers’ lathe, a lathe in need of service will be provided for you. Be sure to bring any safety glasses and any magnification devices (visors, loupes) you prefer to use. Safety glasses and magnifiers (visors) can be supplied if needed.  If you would prefer to bring your own small screwdrivers, buff sticks (1/0 to 4/0), and a fine file (e.g. Grobet #6 cut) you are welcome to, but we have plenty available at the School.

Note: Every effort will be made to ensure that the watchmaker’s lathe you bring to the workshop or is supplied to you is rendered in good running condition by the end of the workshop. However, due to time constraints and other issues, we cannot guarantee each lathe will be fully operational by the end of the workshop. If this is the case, a Scope of Repair Work document will be provided to you, detailing remaining steps to take to complete the servicing of the lathe.

Date: August 31-September 2, 2026 [Monday-Wednesday]

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: NAWCC School of Horology, 454 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512

Instructor: Philip Stoller

Philip Stoller Certified Clockmaker, Certified Watchmaker (American Watchmaker-Clockmaker Institute) has been a practicing clockmaker and watchmaker for more than 30 years, most of which were spent self-employed. For the last 4 years he has been at Gem City College, School of Horology in Quincy, Illinois. In addition to teaching both clock repair and watch repair, Philip has taken every student under his care through the subject matter of this class, one at a time restoring the school’s many very abused lathes to good working order.

Enrollment: Limited to 8 participants

Member Cost: $850.00

Non-member Cost: $975.00

Please contact education@nawcc.org or telephone 717-684-8261, ext. 237 with questions.

Recommended Reading:

Robert Porter’s Restoring This Old Lathe

Archie Perkins’ The Modern Watchmakers Lathe And How To Use It, Chapters 1 & 10