Introduction: A Clock With a Laser Engraved Saw Blade

By Youtube
About: Passionate of DIY of any kind, I am not of the trade (I am developer in computing) but I am self-taught and I like to learn new things. I decided to share my creations with you through photos and videos. I do…

I made this clock from an old miter saw blade, which I engraved with a laser engraver.

I then installed it in my workshop.

Supplies

The blade comes from a miter saw, it has a diameter of 216mm

I bought a clock mechanism, silent with hook.

For the engraver I used a AtomStack P9 M50 10W

Step 1: Video

The complete video with the presentation of the machine:

https://youtu.be/qLADdOSvpq0

Step 2: Sanding

The blade being very damaged, I sanded it to find a smooth and shiny aspect.

I started with 180 grit, then 400, 1000 and finally 2000.

Step 3: Polishing

Since I didn't have a metal polish, I used a plastic polish to finish the rendering.

Step 4: Application of Gouache

The laser light will burn the surface of the material and blacken it. it works very well on wood for example, but on shiny metal, the light reflects and the laser does not mark.

The solution ? Make the surface black so that the light does not reflect.

So I used black gouache which I applied with a foam brush. (I use this technique on glass).

Gouache has the advantage of cleaning up easily with water.

Step 5: Installation Template

To be sure to be well aligned on the blade, I printed a template to position the blade perfectly in the engraving area.

Attachments

Step 6: Failure !

Unfortunately it is a failure, the gouache is water-based, and it rusted the blade which had just been sanded!

I do not stay on a failure and I will start again!

I read a tip on the Internet: it is to leave the metal in white vinegar for 24 hours to remove the surface rust. And it worked ! I was able to save my blade.

Step 7: Second Attempt

For my second try, I used a whiteboard marker.

It seems to me that it is alcohol based, but in any case, it dries quickly and will not rust the metal.

Step 8: Engraving and Cleaning

I launched my second engraving and there it worked!

Settings:

  • Engraving speed: 400mm/min
  • Power: 100% (10W laser)
  • Number of passes: 1
  • Total time : 3H24

Attachments

Step 9: Mechanism

I used a clock mechanism purchased on the market, it is sold with 2 different types of hands and it is equipped with a hook to fix it to the wall.

I added double sided tape to prevent the blade from slipping and getting off center.

I added a big washer to fill the gap in the middle of the blade.

Step 10: Protection

To prevent the metal from rusting, I added 2 coats of transparent matte varnish in spay.

Step 11: It's Time to Enjoy!

I then fixed the clock to the wall, on a screw.

I hope you enjoy this project and don't hesitate if you have any questions!

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