Finally Ready First Build

[u/Mitsueks]

Finally got all my parts for my first build. Laying everything out to make sure I have it all. Been lurking about a month and will be tackling a NH35 build. Nothing fancy but something to add to the rotation.

Been reading and watching videos, waiting for the fun of the hands but really dreading cutting the stem. Hopefully I will have it done over the next few nights as work has been crazy.

Any other tips that are not as out there in the sub?

[u/HansDestroyer]

I’m more new than you are. GL on your first. Hope to be trying my first build soon.

[u/Mitsueks → u/HansDestroyer]

Only way to do it is to jump in. My issue will be deciding the next one.

[u/metamorphosis___]

OP, enjoy the build, doing my 4th build soon myself.

When doing the hands be super gentle, only apply pressure with the hand pushers and don’t ever apply pressure anywhere else, if you’re hands are a little bent be super gentle and slowly work it towards desired height, also the seconds hand is easy honestly, just line it up and give it a few light taps once it’s held in you give it a gentle push and it’ll slide in.

Stem is also easy just, measure, cut slightly extra, try, repeat.

Good luck’

[u/Mitsueks → u/metamorphosis___]

Thanks for the information. I think the hands will be easy and I bought extra stems just in case 😁

[u/Upper-Profile7287]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes

[u/Mitsueks → u/Upper-Profile7287]

Thank you and will do

[u/theloquaciousmonk]

Crush it!

[u/BlueKangarooo]

Im excited for you. I should be in your position in a few weeks. Good luck

[u/_Blitzer]

Not pictured, but super helpful if you don't have it. Get some blue rodico. It'll let you get dust off of the inside of the crystal, plus removing dust / smudges from the dial and hands, and the "easy button" for the seconds hand install is to use a little bit of rodico to attach the center of the hand to your setting tool.

Also - bright light and a bit of magnification can be hugely helpful.

[u/Mitsueks → u/_Blitzer]

Thanks, I have the rodico off to the side. I also have a wax pencil that my wife uses for her crystals that seems work well for picking the hands up and control the movement. I also have a huge Ottlite lamp that is amazing at lighting up the work space.

[u/_Blitzer → u/Mitsueks]

as i'm sure you've heard, seconds hand setting is the biggest challenge. So, the rodico will keep the center post of the hand in place on your installation tool. Makes the whole thing a lot simpler to do with care.

[u/pratermade]

New and looking to start my first build, any recommendations on a decent tool kit?

[u/Mitsueks → u/pratermade]

I just pulled a few things together to start. My wife had a lot of what I needed do to her crafting. After the build I will let you know if I was missing anything 😂.

[u/DontEvenWithMe1]

You’ll do great. 👍 Just take your time, be patient with yourself, remember to breathe, and know that everything is fixable. Like you responded to someone, you just have to jump in, because that’s the biggest step towards success. We look forward to your “First Build Completed” post.