With the valve bodies as far forward as I want to go at the moment I had to start thinking about the lids and the headgear. The latter can wait for a while but I had it in mind as I started to think about the design. The lids have to be made to suit each body as they all vary a little in the OS diameter so the first job was to stamp a number on each body so I don't get mixed up. Then into the drawing office and a few initial thoughts drawn out. Note I say initial because as I was making the first lid I had a rethink. I can make the spigot in the body deeper which will give more room in the stuffing box of the gland and instead of a boss on top for the gland it will be better if the whole lid is flat. Done with a boss there would be interference with the holding down nuts. Another plus point is that being thicker it will be a better foundation for the columns that have to be screwed into it to carry the saddle in which the threaded part of the spindle runs. I decided on a 3/16" diameter spindle and that set the size for the gland nut, 3/8" X 26tpi. Then a quick check in the treasure boxes and the right tap, die and tapping drill sorted out and got ready.
I'll admit I then got a bot anal about the job, I resharpened an HSS cutter and stoned it to a good finish. The number two valve has a slightly larger bonnet diameter so I started with that one. I went to quite ridiculous lengths to ensure accuracy and freedom from mistakes but it's good practice because I get into watch-making very soon and the sooner I get my head in gear the better!
Close of play. The body diameter matches the lid and the spigot is a nice fit. I shall get on faster now I have got started!