How to Design a Desk Clock
Designing and finishing your own desk clock is a fun and easy woodworking project. This guide will show you the basic steps in creating a beautiful desk clock that will last for many years. The materials used here are easily found at any number of hobby shops. In some cases, you can buy an entire kit with all the components needed to make the clock. In other cases, buying a pre-cut solid wood clock blank, movement, hands and other components may be more to your taste.
Things You'll Need
- Pre-cut wood clock blank
- Sand paper of various grits
- Wet cloth or paper towels
- Paint, stain or other finish
- Paint brushes
- Clock mechanism
- Battery
Instructions
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1
Select a blank with a design suitable for your desk clock. Sand the pre-cut clock blank to a very smooth finish. Start with moderately coarse sandpaper and work your way to a very fine finishing sandpaper.
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2
Wipe the excess sanding dust from the blank using a wet cloth or paper towel.
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3
Slip the clock mechanism into the recessed area of the blank to check fit. If the mechanism is a little loose, use electrical tape on the outside to create a snug fit. If the mechanism is too tight, sand out a little bit of the blank's recessed area to ensure that it will comfortably accommodate the clock mechanism.
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4
Apply the desired finish. Consider the decor of of the room where you have your desk, in choosing color and finish. Some people prefer to stain the clock, others prefer a stain and a polyurethane finish, and yet others prefer to paint the clock and add painted patterns and details. Do not paint the inside of the clock blank that holds the clock mechanism as this could interfere with slipping the mechanism in when the clock is finished.
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5
Allow the finish to dry and cure.
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6
Put a battery in the clock mechanism and set the time.
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7
Slip the clock mechanism, with the time set correctly, into the blank, and enjoy the use of your completed clock.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to check the mechanism fit before applying the finish. Sanding out the mechanism area can damage the finish.
If your mechanism is too loose and you are painting the clock blank, it might be a good idea to paint the inside of the mechanism recess as this will add thickness to hold the mechanism securely.
