How to Make a Wall Clock with a Pendulum
You can make a pendulum clock for your wall out of everything from a plastic plate to a vinyl record. Combine this item, which will be your clock face, with a clock kit that can be purchased at most craft supply stores or online to make your own personalized clock. Clock kits include hands for the front of the clock and a box that is hidden by the clock face. This box houses the clock mechanism and attaches to the pendulum. It will also be where the battery is placed, and most have some type of indention or hook for hanging. Precut wooden shapes sold at art and craft supply stores make excellent clocks, as do plastic plates and vinyl records. With a clock and pendulum, the mechanism is larger than on a standard clock, so be sure the mechanism box is completely hidden by the object you select for the clock's face.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden shape, plastic or ceramic plate, or other object for clock face
- Paint (optional)
- Clear acrylic sealant (optional)
- Adhesive clock numbers and dots (optional)
- Superglue (optional)
- Pencil
- Drill
- Drill bit in size specified on clock kit
- Clock kit with mechanism and pendulum
- Battery
- Nail
Instructions
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Paint the object you have chosen as your clock face if desired. For a wood clock face, you can spray the paint on using traditional acrylic spray paint, or you can use a brush to apply the paint. To paint on ceramic, you will need to use ceramic craft paint. Allow to dry for an hour or until dry to the touch.
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Apply adhesive numbers and dots on your clock face if desired. Alternatively, you can hand-paint the numbers, glue on numbers you create yourself or leave the clock face bare. Seal the clock with clear acrylic sealant to protect the paint if desired. This is usually unnecessary with clocks, however, because they are rarely handled.
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Mark the center of your clock face with a pencil. Most require a 7/16-inch drill bit, although the instructions on your clock kit may call for a different size. If your clock face is metal or ceramic, you will want to use a drill bit designed for use with these materials. Place the drill bit on your drill. Drill a hole in the center of your clock face.
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Remove the mechanism from the package and lay it on the table. Slide the hole in the clock face over the spindle on the mechanism, and attach the hands on the front of the clock. These are typically turned clockwise until tight.
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Lift the clock, and insert the battery. Attach the pendulum to the mechanism unit.
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Set the time by turning the dial on the back of the mechanism.
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Hang the clock on a nail, and ensure it is keeping proper time.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
