Modern Clock

Hey there, DIY Enthusiasts!

Ever found yourself staring at that neglected, lustrous walnut stash in your garage, wondering, 'What on Earth can I do with this beauty?' Well, get ready to embark on a woodworking adventure like no other! After a delightful scroll through the realm of Etsy, I stumbled upon some seriously mesmerizing clock designs that left me thinking, 'I can totally do that!' 🕰️💡

So, grab your imagination, don your creative cap, and join me on a journey to turn that dusty walnut into a timepiece that'll not only spruce up your space but also become a conversation starter. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just curious to dip your toes into the world of DIY, I promise you're in for a wood-tastic ride! Let's transform those walnut dreams into clockmaking reality!

Tools:

Miter Saw

Flat bar Bender

Tape Measure

Marking Pen

Center Punch

Bench Grinder with a Deburring Wheel

Welder (I used flux core)

Belt Sander

Drill Press with 1/16" , 1/4" & 1/8" Drill Bits

Fusion 360

Vice

Angle Grinder

File

Router

Screw Driver

Palm Sander with 60/180/220/320 Grit Sand Paper

PPE Items

Materials:

Drilling Oil/Lubricant

Live Edge Wood (I used walnut)

Steel Flat Bar - 48" x 1" x 3/16"

(6) Flathead Wood Screws - 1/2" Length

Quartz Clock Mechanism

Tung Oil

Paint Degreaser

2 in 1 Paint/Primer - Black

Clear Coat

In the quest to turn that gorgeous walnut wood into an elegant timepiece, I took a thrilling detour through the world of 3D modeling using Fusion 360. Buckle up, because I'm about to take you through the exciting journey of crafting a custom clock frame!

Step 1: Design with Fusion 360

I kicked off this odyssey with a sleek frame design, perfect for cradling the walnut. Using Fusion 360's sheet metal capabilities, I crafted a model that not only looked great but also provided essential details like bend locations and total length.

Step 2: Marking Bend Locations

Armed with my Fusion 360 model, I marked out bend locations on a sturdy steel bar, setting the stage for precision craftsmanship.

Step 3: The Bend:

I placed the steel bar into the bender, ensuring it lay flat, and bent it to a perfect 90 degrees—a true moment of DIY fun!

Step 4: Bridging the Gap

My design had left a gap, but no worries; an angle grinder with a cut-off disc came to the rescue. Cut out a small piece of flat bar steel to fill in the gap. (Pro tip: you can opt for a no-gap design, saving you a step and a piece of steel. Just one weld, and you're golden!)

Step 5: Welding Magic

I clamped the frame to a straight edge, using some trusty scrap square tubing, and introduced the small piece of steel to fill in the gap. Sparks flew as I welded them together, my first time using flux core (gasless) and, surprisingly, it worked like a charm.

Step 6: Smooth as Silk

After welding, I embarked on the smoothing journey:

• Belt sander to grind off welds.
• Bench grinder with a deburring wheel for that polished look.
• Palm sander armed with 60-grit sandpaper for the final touch of finesse.

Step 7: Crafting the Brackets

To bring my clock frame vision to life, I measured out brackets onto flat bar steel, marking holes with center punches.

Step 8: Drilling

Carefully, I drilled 1/8" diameter holes, applying drill oil to minimize friction and keep things running smoothly.

Step 9: Countersink

Countersinking came next, using a 1/4" bit to ensure those flat head screws would sit flush on the brackets.

Step 10: Finish Brackets

Using a cut-off disc, I cut out the brackets, adding fillets to the top corners with a belt sander and deburring the edges.

Step 11: The Grand Assembly

Finally, it was time to weld the brackets to the frame, bringing this beauty together.

For those seeking a visual guide, the video reference is your trusty companion.

So, there you have it—a clock frame born of Fusion 360 finesse, steelwork artistry, and a dash of DIY spirit. Let's keep the creativity flowing!

Now that our clock frame is ready to rock, let's dive into the next phase of this DIY project!

Step 1: Tracing the Walnut

With our trusty clock frame at the ready, we placed it onto the walnut. After tracing the outline, it was time to unleash the miter saw for some cutting action.

Step 2: Round and Smooth

But wait, we weren't done yet! To ensure our walnut embraced the frame with a snug hug, we whisked out the belt sander and gently rounded those corners. It's all about the love between wood and frame, right?

Step 3: Mapping Out the Brackets

We marked out their locations on the walnut, and here's the cool part: we broke out the router to make sure they sat flush, like they were destined to be together.

Step 4: Adding a Chamfer

But why stop there? We gave our routered edge a little extra flair by filing a chamfer, making room for those fillet welds on the brackets.

Step 5: Drilling

Time to head over to the drill press:

• 1/4" hole for the clock mechanism, because that's where time gets serious.
• 1/8" pilot holes for the bracket screws, ensuring they find their place with grace and ease.

Step 6: Creating Space for the Heart

Let's make room for the clock's beating heart—the movement! With the router set to a 1/2-inch depth, we carefully carved out the perfect space.

As always, if you're more of a visual learner, feel free to reference the video for those extra details.

Now that our clock frame and walnut are a match made in DIY heaven, it's time to give that frame a sleek, stylish makeover. Follow these steps for a transformation.

Step 1: Degrease and Wipe Clean

Spray on some degreaser, making sure there's not a speck of dust or grime left.

Once it's squeaky clean, wipe it down. This step sets the stage for a flawless finish.

Step 2: Painting

Grab a 2-in-1 paint and primer combo in a sleek black shade.

Start with three light coats for full coverage, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It's like watching your masterpiece come to life layer by layer.

Step 3: The Clear Coat

Apply two clear coats to seal the deal and achieve that glossy, professional finish.

But wait! Before you dive in, heed the wise words on your paint's label. Every paint has its quirks, so follow those instructions diligently.

With these steps, your clock frame will go from 'meh' to 'magnificent' in no time.

In the quiet of your workspace, it's time to unveil the artistry of woodworking. Let's enhance your wood with finesse:

Step 1: Gentle Sanding

Place your wood piece on the workbench.

Begin the sanding process, starting with a humble 60-grit sandpaper, gradually progressing to the refined 320-grit. It's a journey from raw to polished.

Step 2: The Tung Oil Touch

After your wood has revealed its hidden beauty, wipe it clean.

Apply two coats of tung oil, like a nurturing embrace. This is where your wood's natural elegance shines through.

Let's bring all the elements together. In a few steps, you'll have your clock ready to tick!

Step 1: A Symphony of Parts

Lay out all the components on your workbench.

Step 2: Wood Meets Frame

Fasten the walnut wood into the frame (6 wood screws) as if they've been waiting for this moment. They'll make a perfect pair.

Step 3: Clock Movement

Gently install the clock movement. Held together with a brass washer and a thin nut.

Step 4: Clock Hands

Place the clock hands in their positions.

Step 5: Power On

Install the battery with a simple click.

And there you have it, a clock ready to grace your space with its timeless rhythm. Bravo!

If you're interested in more of my projects, you can find them on my YouTube channel.

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