How to Make a Wall Clock

Turn even a regular wooden dinner plate into a clock.

Making your own wall clock is an inexpensive project. With a drill, screwdriver, clockwork mechanism from the craft store and self-stick numbers, you can create an attractive clock from a wooden plate, bevel-edged plaque or bark-edged disk.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden craft plate, plaque or bark-edged disk
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish of choice -- wood stain, acrylic paint or polyurethane
• Drill with correct-sized bit for clock mechanism
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Clock movement with clock hands and battery compartment
• Size and number of batteries appropriate for clock
• Clock face numbers, number decals, rub-ons or stencils
• Picture nail or hook
• Glue

Instructions

1. Use a ruler and pencil to mark the center of the clock face. If you're using a round piece, draw centered lines from top to bottom and side to side. For a square piece, draw lines from corner to corner. The point where the lines intersect is the center of your clock.

2. Drill the center of the clock face. Make sure you use a bit that produces a hole that will accommodate the shaft of the clock mechanism. Check the mechanism packaging for measurements and recommendations.

3. Sand the front and back surface of the wood piece. Wipe away the dust. Check to see that you have removed any pencil marks. Apply stain to the piece, paint an appropriate color, or leave natural and simply apply two coats of polyurethane. Allow to dry completely.

4. Mark positions for the numbers. Midnight, three o'clock, six o'clock and nine o'clock should be centered along the top, sides and bottom. Position the marks for the other hour numbers equally and carefully between the first four numbers.

5. Affix numbers into position. If the numbers aren't self-sticking, use strong glue. If you prefer, you can use stickers, rub-on numbers or paint on the numbers with stencils. Pay attention as you work so the numbers are positioned properly in the correct order.

6. Attach the clock mechanism to the drilled piece. First insert the shaft of the mechanism through the drilled hole from the back of the clock through the front. Attach the hands, starting with the large hand. Most hands attach to the shank by slipping over a center pin. Attach the small hand, then the minute hand, if there is one. Usually a small nut holds the hands in place. Follow directions on the mechanism packaging to ensure correct assembly.

7. Insert the specified size and number of batteries. Slip the back cover of mechanism into place. Set the clock hands to the correct time.

8. Attach a nail or picture hook to the wall where the clock will hang. Most clock assemblies are manufactured with a keyhole in the back for hanging the clock. Some styles may offer a hanging clip instead.

Tips & Warnings

• Some wooden craft pieces made specifically for DIY clocks come with a hole predrilled in the center.

• If you don't like the color or finish of the available clock hands, paint them with enamel craft paint in a color of your choice.

• Don't limit yourself to ordinary numbers for your clock face. Other options include dice, domino chips, or even decorative buttons glued in the correct positions.

• Make sure the wooden piece you're using for the clock isn't too thick or the shaft of the clock mechanism may be too short. Most craft plates and plaques are the correct thickness for use with clock mechanisms.

References

• Home Envy: Season 1 -- Project #10, Clock It to Me; Meg Ruffman
• Design Sponge: DIY Wednesdays -- Wood Clock Project; 2008