This project was inspired by a UC San Diego undergraduate course. One of the projects there was a pendulum clock which students make out of laser cut acrylic. The clock ticks like a real clock, and lets you visualize how clocks work internally. The ticking mechanism is called an escapement, and is often used in other clock mechanisms. Because I don't have access to acrylic or a laser cutter, I decided to CAD the project and make it work with purely 3d printed parts and share it!

For this project you need a 3d printer, bearings (I used 2 fidget spinner/skateboard bearings), string, and a small weight (I used a metal keychain).

Step 1: Download the CAD Files!

For my files, the part tolerances (given 3d printer accuracy) are already included, so you don't need to worry about fit for all the parts. I used two 608 skateboard/fidget spinner bearings for this.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2917826

Step 2: Print!

Print the files with your 3D printer! The bracket is long, and may have a tendency to warp. Other thingiverse users have posted remixes where they have sliced the bracket in half. Find them on my thingiverse page here.

Step 3: Assemble!

Follow the video explanation and the instructions on the thingiverse page. For my parts, the 608 bearings should fit in fairly tightly, and with some glue they will be secure. Wind up the string around the wheel and attach a weight (I used a keychain). More info here.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Watch my video. If it is ticking like that and spinning in the same direction, you should be done! Sometimes the parts come out a bit large and the tips of the pendulum fork need a bit of sanding, but it should not be anything major.

Check out the amazing Hackaday article about the project here!

Thanks! Post a make on thingiverse if you get a chance!