Introduction: Arts and Crafts Pallet Clock
"Time for a pallet contest clock " get it
When I first saw there was a pallet contest coming up I got busy gathering pallet wood my favorite thing to build with.
THE STUFF
plenty of pallet boards
glue (tite bond 2 )
1/2" hinges "4"
battery clock works
clock dial
pendulum
2" clock hands
6x6 piece of glass
stain
varnish
Step 1:
Finding just the right boards Since I'm building an arts and crafts style I wanted to find quarter sawn oak boards. I looked through a good many pallets but I found some nice looking wood.
Step 2: Milling the Stock
I used a table saw to mill the boards to best I could just to find the best grain figure. I then worked with them to get as close to book match as I could. I found some pretty good ones
BE CAREFULL
always use care when using power tools and sharp chisels, knives and planes
also use safety glasses
dust mask are a must who knows what they treat those pallets with
Tools
table saw
band saw
chisels
dovetail saw
hand plane
drill and bits
sander
Step 3: Building the Case
I joined the top of the case with hand cut finger joints leaving them 3/!6th " proud so to give it that LOOK
Step 4: The Case
I used the closest bookmatched wood for the front of the clock . I had some nice grain on these pieces
Step 5: Joining the Boards
With the table saw I cut a datto in all the boards where they joined together also where the glass fit the door. Than I made wedges to fit the slots this will give plenty of strength to the glue joints
Step 6: The Door
Putting the door together I went ahead and stained the wood because
I didn't want to do it with the glass in it. This worked fine but I don't think I would do it again
Step 7: Cutting in the Hindges
I marked out the hindges and cut them out with a chissel
Step 8: More Work on the Doors
Step 9: The Case Is Done
After staining the case I finished with amber spar varnish 3 coats Lite sanding between
Step 10: The Works
I used a piece of 1/4" plywood to mount the paper dial on and mounted that to a 1/2" x 1/2" frame Drilled a 1/4"hole for the clock put everything together and through the back door I screwed it to the front of the case
a brass knob on the door looks nice front and back
I didn't use a lock or latch because the doors fit so nice and tight. The wood was good and dry but if it changes I'll go back and add them
Step 11: Ok It's Done
Fun to build and looks nice on the mantle I like the pendulum swinging in the bottom
The quarter sawn oak looks nice and I really like how the nail holes have blackened
how cool to build with pallets
Step 12:
Step 13:
Step 14:

Participated in the
Green Design Contest

Participated in the
Pallet Contest
21 Comments
5 years ago
can you please post the length of the sides. It would help a ton because I’m about to make this fantastic clock.
5 years ago
I would love to build this. Would it be possible to include some dimensions to give us beginners a starting point?
8 years ago
Very nice job. I'm glad I have a stack of pallets outside
9 years ago on Introduction
Very impressed with your pallet clock! It's beautiful. I am just learning how to use my tools - thinking this project is too difficult for me at this point - but certainly inspired to keep making things and improve my skills.
9 years ago
cool! making this one right away!! :)
9 years ago on Step 11
I like what you did and what you did it with. the plans are where?
K
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
thank you, No plans I copied some photo's of a clock I saw on Etsy and just used standard woodworking practices to build the case
9 years ago on Introduction
Beautifully done!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
thank you
9 years ago on Introduction
Oh MAAAAAAN this is beautiful. I'm a huge fan of the Arts & Crafts aesthetic—took a class on the history of that period at school and learned to deeply appreciate the values that drive that style of work.
Thanks for sharing this. It's gorgeous!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks very nice comment
9 years ago on Introduction
That case is beautiful! I'm not sure the clock you put in it really does it justice. Still, I really, really like that case. Super nice.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thank you that is a cheap clock for sure but it keeps good time I might change it later who knows this might be a family heirloom someday
9 years ago
That's amazing.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks Jonathan
9 years ago
This is great, I'm just starting out with pallet craft, putting this on my list to do.Fantastic..
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks good luck with yours I will follow yours
9 years ago on Introduction
The humble pallet becomes a thing of beauty, great job!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thank you
9 years ago
Really beautiful work! I love oak pallets, too! This is some exemplary woodwork!