Build a Springtime Clock!
This Springtime Clock can be displayed year-round in virtually any decor setting!
The nature-inspired design features carved flowers and leaves nestled inside a shallow, gently curved recessed area which highlights the unique offset clock mounting.
The Springtime Clock makes a very nice and functional wall accent for your home or office. It’s a wonderful gift item for all sorts of occasions, such as weddings, house warming, Mother’s Day and more!
The project uses just the 1/16 ” Carving Bit and the 1/8 ” Cutting Bit. No other bits are required. Overall dimensions of the finished clock: 10″ diameter x 1.2 ” thick
Main items you will need:
- The Project Files (included):
- Springtime_Clock.mpc
- Board with the following dimensions:
- 0.75 ” x 11 ” x 28 “
- NOTE:
Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above unless using an appropriate jig.
- Klockit 5.875 ” round clock insert (mounting hole is 3.25 ” diameter). I used model #15342 from www.klockit.com
- Two small screw eyes, picture hanger wire, sandpaper, wood glue, stain and/or paint and clear finish
- A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted abrasive attachments to aid the sanding process. A spindle sander and small belt sander can help speed up sanding/surface prep.
STEP 1
Start Designer and open the .mpc file(s). (fig. 1a)
All you need to do at this point is upload the project files to your memory card. (File/Upload). When you upload, you may or may not get a pop-up window with an “Auto-Jig” warning message (Fig. 1b)
If you do see the message, you may safely click on “Ignore” because our actual boards will be large enough that it won’t cause any problems at all. After each project is compiled, select “Best” or “Optimal” for the File Quality carve setting. (I used “Best”.)
Click “OK” and upload the mpc project file to your memory card. Insert the card into your machine and load a board that measures the appropriate dimension specified for the particular mpc (see page 1 for board dimensions). Turn on your machine and proceed with the project setup in Step 2…
STEP 2 – Running the MPC File(s)
You will see “Project Menu” on your LCD display. Press “1” and scroll to Lid_Sections.mpc project, and press the green ENTER button to select it. Then follow the additional LED prompts as follows…
- Stay Under Rollers – press 1) YES
- DID YOU KNOW? If you’re using the specified board sizes, it doesn’t matter if you select YES or NO because those board sizes have the extra 7 inches of length that will keep the project under rollers either way. See 7 inch rule for further explanation.
- DO NOT RESIZE or SCALE the projects! If prompted, always keep the original size. No scaling!
- How To Place – press 1) Center
- Cut Board to Size? – press 2) NO
- Select Cutting Bit: 1/8″ Cutting – Press ENTER. The machine will move the bit holder to the center.
- Load Bit:1/8″ Cutting – Insert your 1/8″ cutting bit, then press the green ENTER button. (homes, etc.)
- Select Carving Bit: 1/16″ Carving – Press ENTER. The machine will move the bit holder to the center.
- Load Bit: 1/16″ Carving – Remove the 1/8″ cutting bit, and insert your 1/16″ carving bit, then press the green ENTER button. After homing and finding surface, the carving process is performed.
- After it is done carving, you will be prompted to load your 1/8″ cutting bit. Remove the 1/16″ carving bit and insert your 1/8″ cutting bit. Press the green ENTER button. The machine will perform the cutouts.
Your board will look something like this…(fig. 2)
STEP 3 – Separate Parts from Material
Mark the back panel (the one with the large hole). This marked side becomes the back of the clock when the front and back panels are glued together. Separate all the parts from the boards with a utility knife or small saw. Sand off any tabs and fuzzies that could interfere with glue-up.
STEP 4 – Glue-Up and Finish Prep
Glue the clock sections together. Align the large hole so there is equal space around the small hole. (You can “eyeball” that – it is not a critical measurement.) Clamp until dry.
After glue is dry, test fit the clock insert. Sand the insert hole, if necessary, for a snug fit.
STEP 5 – Apply Finish
Apply the finish of your choice. Here’s what I used on the sample made from Select Pine.
First, apply one coat thinned Bulls Eye SealCoat overall (50/50 denatured alcohol and SealCoat), and then sanded quickly with 220 grit sanding mop.
Then, Rust-Oleum Golden Mahogany stain.
Last, several light coats Krylon Clear Gloss, then Satin as final coats
STEP 6 – Install Hanger Wire and Clock Insert
Flip the assembly over and mark two locations for the screw eyes. Make pilot holes with an awl or small drill bit above the clock insert hole. Install the screw eyes and picture wire. The wire should be taut.
Push the clock insert into the front center hole – it’s a friction fit.
I hope you enjoyed making your Springtime Clock!
Materials Source Reference
3M Radial Bristle Discs
- (stack 3 discs at a time on your rotary tool mandrel)
- 80-grit (yellow) is what I use exclusively, but other grits are available NOTE: grits finer than 220 are not recommended for wood
- Purchase from:
Items Purchased at Home DepotTM or LowesTM
- Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat (same as 100% de-waxed shellac)
- Denatured Alcohol (Home Depot™ or Lowes™)
- Rust-Oleum Golden Mahogany Stain
- Picture Wire and Screw Eyes
Clock Insert Purchased Online from www.Klockit.com
- I used model #15342, but there are several styles to choose from
