This was on my list for a long time. A couple of other members on the camheads forum had been making clocks and I like that it provides some utility in addition to looks.
The first clock is just on a normal LED edge lit base and it is our local high school logo.
I've also wanted to build a round one that hangs on the wall and wanted to make puzzle joints, so I combined the activity into one (2nd photo). Both of these clocks utilize 1/4" mirrored acrylic. The only issue I have with the round clock is if you view it from the side you get the direct LED light. I need to put a 1/4" or so dark strip around the perimeter to mitigate that. I tried electrical tape on a small section and that helped but don't have a good/easy solution for doing it nicely around the entire perimeter. I'm thinking I might just try painting it. I of course could make the inset deeper but this takes valuable room from the segments containing the electronics. I also just barely get two of these segments cut from the 5.5" width of a standard board. The frame pieces are 2" wide.
The puzzle pieces worked out really nice. I left a gap of .003" for a good fit. This is using a spindle, if you use a router, you may get a little less tight due to lower runout specs on a router. I made this over a month ago and haven't had time to finish up the 3/4" maple. I like the concept since I can use 5.5" wide material to make a 12" diameter frame. The visible part of the clock is 10" in diameter.
The clock itself was pretty easy, figuring out the backing was harder. I had to make spacers so it wouldn't wobble on the clock mechanism. I used 1/4" MDF backing on the back. I also made a custom piece to hold a keyhole and used rubber feet on the bottom to space it.
If you are wondering what the round metallic items are on the edges of the clock, those are tuna cans. Once you install the clock, you can't lay it down on the front since you will destroy the hands. The cans kept the front lifted off the table. I'm thinking I'd like to use an offset space to put a clear piece of acrylic on the front but not sure I'll get around to that.
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