How to Make An Hourglass

In the early days hourglasses were the only way to tell time other than sundials. Hourglasses were precision made in order for the sand to flow for one hour. Making your own hourglass is a fun project to do. This could be a science project to do with your kids. You will enjoy having this hourglass in your home for everyone to admire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Light bulbs any size 4 washers duct tape 2 blocks of wood approximately 4" x 4" Nylon cord 4 wood dowel rods Dremel tool with attachments Sand Drill 3/4 inch hose clamp Reciprocati

1. Begin with the dremel tool and cut out the black center of each light bulb. Hold the glass part of the bulb carefully in a cloth so as to not cut yourself if the glass breaks. Remove the filament from inside of each bulb. Set aside.

2. Drill holes in the 4 corners of each block of wood the same size as the dowel rod you purchased.

3. Take each light bulb and place 2 washers over each end and fill the bottom of one bulb halfway up with sand. Take a small amount of aluminum foil and fill in the inside of the washers until you have a small hole. Duct tape this down. Hold the empty light bulb against the sand filled light bulb and tape together with duct tape. This is just a test run.

4. Set your timer, turn the bulbs upside down and count the time until the sand completely empties into the empty bulb. You will then need to adjust more or less by adjusting the size of the hole in the aluminum foil and repeating step three until you have a true hourglass timer. The sand should empty into the bottom bulb in an hour. Once you have the "time" set, apply hot glue to the foil and around the metal of the bulb sealing the washers and aluminum foil in place. Take care not to fill in the hole you just made. Let the hot glue cool and harden.

5. Repeat step 4 with the second bulb. This time sealing both bulbs together with the glue gun.

6. Next, once the glue is dry, attach the hose clamp to hold each in place. Tighten the screws on the hose clamp and it should only be hand tight. Tightening too tight will cause the glass to shatter. Wrap the nylon cord completely around the metal necks of each bulb and covering up the hose clamp.

7. Cut out a circle in 1 block of wood with a reciprocating saw slightly larger than the light bulb. If you are not able to do this you can easily get someone at your local hardware store to cut it for you if you provide the measurements.

8. Set the hourglass in the middle of the bottom block of wood and measure the dowel rods to the connected necks of the hourglass. Cut each dowel rod at this length.

9. Attach the dowels into the bottom block of wood and seal with the hot glue.

10. By again placing the hourglass in the middle, attach the upper block of wood to the dowel rods and seal with hot glue. Allow to cool and harden.

11. Now, when you want to turn the hourglass over, simply raise out of the base and turn over and replace.

Tips & Warnings

• Add hemp cord or ribbon to the middle of the hourglass.
• Use all safety precautions when using electrical equipment.

[cathymcc]

on 5/30/2009 Thank you. I was complicated. But, at least I made one. I had always wanted one.

[Muzikpeach]

on 5/29/2009 Complicated but would be a neat thing to try! 5*