Modern Desk Clock

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Modern Desk Clock
What you’ll need:
This weeks project comes from our Maker in
Residence, Shaun Crockett. This is a modern twist to
the classic desk clock. By utilizing a single hand to
track time, we create a very clean aesthetic that
doubles as a conversation piece.
Dremel®
3D Idea Builder
Other Supplies
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Wood (1 x 4) at least one foot long
Clock mechanism (battery powered)
Paint
Stain
Wood filler
3 finish nails
Drill and small drill bit
Wood glue
Miter saw
Small paint brush
Tip: Before you begin any project, be sure that you
read and understand the owner’s manual and safety
instructions for each power tool or product used in
your project. Protect yourself. Always wear eye
protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask
according to the owner’s manual and safety
instructions for the power tool or product you use.
Filament
Dremel® US40
Ultra-Saw™
US500-01 4” Carbide
Wood Cutting Wheel
Multi-Max™
MM45
60, 120 and 240 Grit
Sand Paper - Wood
8220 12VMax
Cordless
196 High Speed
Cutter
VersaTip™ Butane
Soldering Torch
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Modern Desk Clock
Step-by-step instructions
The great thing about this project it that it doesn’t take a lot
of wood, and chances are you have enough scrap wood to
make it. If not, you can buy a piece at your local hardware
store for less than a cup of coffee.
- Cut 1x4 to a length of 11” with Ultra-Saw
- Make a 45º cut at 7” so you produce 2 pieces (7” and 4”)
Using the Dremel Multi-Max and sanding attachment I
started with the coarse grit, then applied wood filler, then
sanded with medium, and finished out with fine.
Next, drill a hole for clock body.
Depending on your clock hardware, you can place the hole
where it fits best. I centered mine horizontally and measured
2.5" down from the top. I drilled out the hole based on the
diameter of the clock stem.
I also used my Dremel 8220 cordless rotary tool and a 196
high speed cutting bit to create a recessed area around the
hole to allow for the clock stem nut to be tightened.
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Modern Desk Clock
Now finish the wood. I wanted to create a strong contrast
between front and back of the clock, so I opted to stain and
clear-coat the front, and paint the back.
- clean off dust and debris
- follow stain instructions
- follow poly coat instructions
- be careful not to get stain on area to be painted
(paint and stain do not mix well)
Allow the stain time to dry, then:
- mask-off stain area
- paint back
Once all of your pieces have dried, its time to create the
clock face. I started by printing out a template for number
placement (every 30º along the perimeter of a circle).
Then I pressed my pointed wood burning bit into the wood at
each intersection to create number indicators on the face.
Using a small paint brush I filled in each hole with orange
paint.
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Modern Desk Clock
Next, attach the 2 pieces of wood for your clock. Attaching
the 2 pieces at an angle can be difficult, to help hold the
parts together I added guide pins made from finish nails.
- Drill 3 holes in the glue edge of the base
- Glue in finish nails
- Cut finish nails to approximately 1/4” sticks out
- Align to top and mark pin placement
- Drill corresponding holes in top
- Apply wood glue, press together and allow to dry
Now you are ready to create the clock hand. The clock hand
that came with the kit wasn’t the style I wanted to use, so I
printed a new one to match my color and style.
- Take measurements from existing clock hand
- Design hand in 3D software
- Print on Dremel Idea builder
Finally, assemble your clock. Once you have all the pieces
and the base affixed to the top, you can assemble the clock
body and 3D printed hand. If you want you can add a piece of
felt to the bottom for a finished look.