The original DIY Watch Cleaning machine
A watch cleaning machine that can be built by anyone for less than the cost of a second hand cleaning machine on Ebay
“Hi there, my name is Frank and I'm embarking on a watchmaking journey, as it turns out the rabbit hole goes deep, very deep. To add to the challenge, I soon found that watchmaking tools can be expensive.
A watch cleaning machine has proven to be prohibitively expensive to attain and it was for this reason I started designing the KiwiCleaner.”
Stage 1:
Buy your comprehensive build manual
Buy your detailed build manual which includes a Bill of Materials (BOM) with weblinks to purchase all critical components. You’ll also receive all the files you’ll need for 3D printing allowing to easily reproduce the bespoke components.
Stage 2. Order your materials
Use the provided Bill of Materials (BOM) to order all the parts you need to make your machine. The KiwiCleaner is built sourcing various parts that are easy to obtain from 3rd party suppliers such as Aliexpress and Ebay.
This means if anything breaks you can easily order new parts and fix yourself.
Stage 3: 3D Print your parts.
Some see this as the fun part of the project, 3D printing your own components.
You’ll receive all the files you’ll need for 3D printing allowing to easily reproduce the bespoke components. And the best thing is you can customise the Watch Cleaning machine by printing in different colours.
Stage 4. Assemble
Assembly of the KiwiCleaner couldn’t be more simple. Think lego for adults!!
With the extensive build manual and photo gallery you’ll be able to assemble your KiwiCleaner in as little as a day.
LCD Screen Upgrade kit
Not that it needs a sales pitch, but in addition to ease of use improvements of the LCD screen, the KiwiBoard mod provides these extra benefits.
Greatly simplifies wiring. All components connect directly to the board. And the board just gets a single 12v power feed
Machine gains a self-resetting Fuse on the main power connection
Stepper motor volume is vastly reduced due to a silent stepper driver
Motor temperature is reduced by a more intelligent stepper driver.
Basket movement is more gentle on your watch parts, with user adjustable acceleration speeds
Error handling and reporting identifies if things are overheating, or wired incorrectly
Adjustable cooldown setting allows the heating element to be cooled after the dry cycle finishes, allowing for a longer life
This is an upgrade kit to the Kiwicleaner. Make sure you’ve bought the build manual first! This is an Add-on kit with components shipped to you for $99USD.
FAQs
What’s the deal?
The machine relies on you 3D printing parts and various other components that can be sourced online. Project backers get a detailed build manual which includes a Bill of Materials (BOM) with weblinks to purchase all critical components. Files for 3D printing are also included with the build manual which allows for easy reproduction of the bespoke components.
KiwiCleaner's target specifications include a 3 Jar clean and rinse cycle that is complemented by a fourth stage for parts drying.
The cleaning cycle can be programmed with the following parameters.
Number of agitation cycles
Spin time clockwise (duration)
Spin time anticlockwise (duration)
Delay (if desired) between forward and reverse spin.
Spin speed clockwise
Spin speed anticlockwise
Acceleration
For example, a possible cleaning program could be 100rpm for 2.0 seconds pause for 0.1seconds then reverse for 2.5 seconds. This cycle can be set to repeat 1 - 999 times.
The drying program can then be selected to spin the basket like a centrifuge over a warm air station. The heating element runs on a timer that can be programmed with your desired duration for heating.
Square vs Round
You’ll receive digital files for jar holders that are able to accommodate square or round jars of varying sizes. Jars can be as high as 220mm.
Some people prefer round jars while others prefer square. It will also depend on what your local store has in stock.
For these reasons alone it is best for me to offer the greatest flexibility here so everyone gets what they prefer.
Risks and Challenges
With the Kickstarter campaign successfully funded the designs are now available to buy here. The design has gone through extensive prototyping and all of the pictures and videos are of real prototypes, not computer renderings. Production of your machine will use the same techniques and components learned during the build of my prototypes.
The research and development has been completed, and I look forward to the next step of you building your very own KiwiCleaner!
How much will ‘The Original’ Kiwicleaner cost?
You’re buying a build manual, available here for $99USD which includes;
Build Manual
Bill of materials
Digital files
Discord access
~$200 For parts and components sourced online.
~$130 For the stainless baskets and cradle.
Total ~ $429 USD
+ 3D printing by you.
How much will the LCD Upgrade cost?
To upgrade your KiwiCleaner to the new LCD screen the upgrade kits cost $99 USD and can be purchased here.
Do you ship parts?
With the exception of the LCD Upgrade kit, I do NOT ship kitsets or parts for KiwiCleaner.
For the parts that are not 3D printed you will get links of where to buy individual components online as well as files for printing.
Remember, KiwiCleaner is a DIY project requiring 3D printing on a machine with a build volume of 200x200x200mm or greater. If you do not have a 3D printer, your local 3D printing service will be able to print the plastic components but they will charge a fee for this.
