Make a clock from left-over computer parts.

I married a computer engineer (condolence cards are welcome). So anyone in my position (and you can switch 'computer' to : electrical, structural, chemical,.....as long as it ends in 'engineer') knows that this particular professional has a predisposition to accumulate 'stuff'. While containment of said 'stuff' keeps the peace in the short-term, eventually it will overflow it's bounds into neutral territory. At this point you (the maker) have several options:

1. Remove all offending equipment while the engineer is at work and risk a court battle.

2. Offer ultimatum to clean up or___________(insert ultimatum here).

3. Turn lemons into lemonade and upcycle excess parts.

As I 'm writing this 'ible', I chose #3, and opted to make a clock. . It's also easy, useful, very cute and makes a great gift.

Step 1: Assemble Your Parts

Materials:

pile of computer parts (particularity circuit boards and platters)

small screwdrivers/needle nose pliers,

Hammer (if you're forced to force open some pieces)

double sided mounting tape

Clock kit (can get them at American Science and Surplus for under $3)

https://www.sciplus.com/p/BATTERY-OPERATED-QUARTZ-...

AA battery

Optional:

Various forms of glue

CD

Rubber washers

Glitter, stickers, washi tape, rhinestones, etc.

plate stand

As this ain't my first rodeo, I had a large pile of deconstructed parts to choose from. For this project you're looking for a circuit board with a hole large enough to accommodate the central post of the clock mechanism, but not more than 1" in diameter. The circuit board in a 3.5" hard drive is a good example.

You can use a platter from a hard drive (an old CD is a good substitute). Taking apart just one hard-drive should get you all you need.

There are lots of interesting pieces from the hard drive you could use for embellishment, so consider using them if they appeal to you.

Step 2: Create Your Clock Face

Take your circuit board of choice and remove any labels, screws, or smaller pieces you don't want seen. Shine up your platter or CD and attach double sided mounting tape on the back where it touches the circuit board.

If you have lots of extra hardware sticking up from the circuit board, it's a good idea to remove so your disc (now your clock face) will lie flat. If this clock will be used in a warm environment (like say, a computer room) it's not a bad idea to add extra adhesive of your choice.

Step 3: Insert the Clock Kit

Your clock kit comes with everything you need. Start by covering the front of the clock mechanism with double sided mounting tape wherever it will touch the back of the circuit board. Try to stay away from the center of the clock mechanism in case your circuit board hole is too big, or your grommet too small, so the tape is not visible. At this stage, make sure the wall hanger on the clock mechanism is in its proper position so it hangs level.

Center your clock face over the mechanism, press and hold until you're sure the adhesive is set.

Following the clock instructions, add the grommet and hex nut to secure. Being careful not to bend, add the hour hand, minute hand next, and second hand last to the threaded part of the central post. These bend easily so be gentle..

Insert 1 AA battery to make sure it works. Remove battery so you can decorate with any additional embellishments.

If you prefer to make this a table top version, use a small plate stand to display it vertically.

Step 4: Give to Your Favorite Engineer

Give to your favorite engineer (or someone who deserves it :)

You've managed to clean up the neutral zone, as well as keeping many dangerous chemicals out of the landfill. Also, once deconstructed, these parts can be organized and stored more easily.

Thanks for taking the time to read my "ible"!