DIY Network

Wall Clock From "DIY Kids" episode DIK-108

advertisement

These clocks are one-of-a-kind: you decide how you want yours to look. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L

You can make your very own wall clock using a battery-operated clock set purchased at a craft store. A wood-burning tool is used to etch a design right onto the front of the clock. If you don't have a wood-burning tool or aren't old enough to use one, you can trace your design with markers instead.

Materials:

6" round wood plaque, 3/4" thick
pencil and eraser
protractor with ruler
scissors
compass
carbon paper
plain paper
pushpin
tape
mask and goggles
sponge sanding block
soft cloth
wood-burning tool with a rounded tip (called a "flow tip")
clamp
hand drill with 5/16" drill bit
battery-operated clock set for 3/4"-thick clock face
battery (use the size the clock set calls for)
adult helper

1. It's easier to get the design you want by making a template (figure A), or drawing it on paper first. Begin by drawing a circle on paper, using a protractor. A 6" protractor works well for this project because it makes a 6" circle -- the same size as the wooden clock face. The protractor looks like a half-circle. When you trace around it, you'll see a line where you should stop, near the straight edge of the protractor (figure B). If you go all the way to the straight edge, the shape won't be right. The extra space on the protractor is for the ruler marks on the straight side. Don't forget to mark the center of your circle with a pencil, using the small hole across from the 3" mark on the straight side of the protractor. Now you have the circle you need to plan your design.
   

2. If you like, write the clock's numbers on the design now. If you want the placement to be exact, use a compass to make a guide for your numbers. A protractor lets you make only one size of circle, but a compass enables you to draw different sized circles.
   

3. Draw two circles near the outside edge of your clock (figure C). Make one about 1" bigger than the other.
   

4. Draw the number 12 at the top. Add the rest of your numbers all the way around the clock face. The number 6 goes at the bottom, and 3 and 9 at the sides (figure D). Fill in the rest of the numbers once you've placed the first four. If you prefer, print out a template from this web site.
   

5. The design can be anything you want. You can stick to clock numbers, add images from a hobby or sport or even add a phrase (figure E). Try to keep the design simple. If it's too complicated, you may have trouble tracing it with the wood-burning tool.
   

6. Now sand the wood with a sanding block (figure F), wearing a mask and goggles to protect you from breathing the dust or getting it in your eyes. For the best finish, rub the sanding block in the same direction as the wood grain (the lines you see in the wood). After you finish sanding, wipe off all dust with a soft, clean cloth.
   

7. Practice your design before you transfer it to the face of the clock. An easy way to practice is to transfer it to the back of the clock first. Then practice using the wood-burning tool on the back side of the wood. Use carbon paper to transfer the design from paper to the wood. (You can find carbon paper at office-supply stores.) Cut out the circle of paper for your template to make it easier to work with. Turn the clock face down, and lay the carbon paper on the wood, ink-side down (figure G). Put the template on top. Use a pushpin to hold the paper to the wood, and transfer your design (figure H). Now you're ready to use a wood-burning tool, as described in the next section.
   

The end of the wood-burning tool gets extremely hot -- hotter than the highest setting on your oven -- so it's important to use the tool safely. An adult should always be present when you use a wood-burning tool. While you concentrate on making your design, the grown-up can make sure you're using the tool safely.

When you put the tool down, set the notch of the handle on the stand provided with the tool. Make sure the tip of the tool points away from you and anything on your work surface (figure I). Don't let the tip touch anything: it could set the material on fire.

When you're working with the tool, follow the directions that came with it very carefully. If the handle gets hot, carefully set the tool on the stand, and unplug it for a few minutes so it can cool off.

Using a wood-burning tool is different from using a pen or pencil. With a pen or pencil, you have to press down hard to get a dark line. But when you want a dark line with a wood-burning tool, you don't press hard, you go slow. Try writing with different speeds on a piece of scrap wood or on the back of your clock. You'll see that the faster you go, the lighter the line is. Darker is better if you want your design to show up, so use a slow, steady hand. With practice you'll learn to create the look you want (figure J).

Practice on the back of your clock until you've finished the whole design or you feel comfortable with the way the tool works. Set the wood-burning tool on its stand, and unplug it while you trace the design onto the front of the clock.

Use a pushpin in the center of the design to hold the paper down. This mark will also be your guide when you drill a hole for the clock set. If you prefer, you can use tape to hold down the edges of the pattern so it doesn't move. When you're ready, remove the papers and burn your design onto the front of your clock.

When you've finished the design, place the clock on a scrap piece of wood so you won't drill into your work surface. Hold the two pieces of wood in place with a clamp, which will keep the clock from moving while you drill the hole.

Drill the hole in the center of the clock face, where the pushpin was, using a 5/16" drill bit (figure K). The drill bit is large, so you'll need to drill slowly. It will be easier to get through the wood if you don't press too hard. If you prefer, ask an adult to drill the hole for you.

To install the clock set, follow the manufacturer's instructions (figure L). Add the battery, and hang your finished clock.