Introduction: Socially Confused Clock

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I was trying to make something not totally steampunk, but "gear inspired", so I decided to take apart a cheap alarm clock, and make it look different. I also wanted everything to move. I realized that I could make the hours move around the clock, instead of the hour hand pointing to them. And so it was done. I also enjoy weird timepieces. Ones that you have to decode in order to read. This one is fairly simple to read, but is different than the regular clock.

This is a simple project that can easily be done in the course of watching a movie, aka, not too much thought.

Step 1: Objects to Gather.

- Old-Skool Windup Alarm Clock
- Paint (black and red is what I used, you can use whatever you like)
- Craft Knife
- Glue (hot, elmers, and super will all work)
- Basic tools (pliers usually get the job done)
- Packaging Tape
- Scissors
- Pen
- Coathanger (for a stand)

Step 2: Open It Up.

Remove the guts from the housing of the alarm clock by whatever means necessary.

Remove the hands and set them aside.

Remove any paper bits from the front as well. We won't be needing these anymore.

If there is an excess metal piece (for support), remove that as well.

Step 3: Create the Gear.

The new clock face will be a gear that rotates around. I created a gear (actually, it was an assignment in school, Mr. Ponchene gave us a gear to draw) in AutoCAD, and transferred it to PDF if you would like to use my gear. If not, you can create whatever you like.

Print out the pdf, and cover it in packaging tape to stiffen it. Then cut it out with a craft knife and paint it whatever color suits your needs. I chose black.

Cut the hour hand from your clock and glue it to the back, so it is pointing upward. Don't forget to paint the back!

Attachments

Step 4: Add Numbers.

Find your favorite font and print out the numbers for your clock. I used a more victorian font, but they turned out pretty bland.

You will need:
Five 1s One 6
Two 2s One 7
One 3 One 8
One 4 One 9
One 5 One 0

Stiffen them with tape and cut them out, then paint.

Use some glue and paste your numbers to the gear, but counter clockwise. They should count backwards instead of forwards.

Step 5: Create a Stand.

Because there is no more housing to hold it up, a stand is needed.

I bent a the end of a coathanger with some pliers so it would hold the clock up by the screwholes that used to secure the clock.

Depending on the clock you use, you might have to be inventive with your stand! Try other gears, L brackets, etc.

Step 6: Replace the Hands.

Put the timing gear on first, then the minute hand, then the second hand, and set your time.

Yahargh mateys!