When it comes to clock-making most people who love crafts steer away from it. The general population seems to think it’s a specialty art – like leatherwork. The clock workings themselves are easy to put together but what seems to pose a challenge to some is the cabinet or unit in which the clock mechanism will be contained. You don’t have to be a woodworker or cabinet maker to create a nice clock with a unit of some sort to set it in. Just use something like an old record album. Whether you’re setting up a game room, or a music room, or you’re just a music teacher who wants an interesting classroom clock, a record album clock is fun and easy to make.
Purchase a quartz clock mechanism and the rest will be a breeze. Choose an old record album – they’re all old now – and turn it into a classy clock that anyone can make without a problem. The quartz clock mechanism is available at some craft stores but can also be ordered online.
You’ll divide the album into twelve equal parts – one for each number. Just make pie slice-type lines on the front of the album. Make a line across the center, horizontally, down the center, vertically, then split each of those quadrants into thirds. Use colored tape strips, or even a paint marker, to make the stripes. Or, just omit this step.
Whether you made lines to section the clock, or you didn’t, use peel-n-stick numbers around the album. These can be ordinary numbers or even roman numerals.
When it comes to attaching the clock mechanism you’ll find it really simple. Just position the mechanism on the backside, and slide the metal piece through the hole of the record. Position the hands on the clock mechanism and screw on the included nut.
If it so happens that the hole in the album is a tad too small for the clock mechanism you can make it a bit larger by using something like the tip of a hot soldering gun.
Cut two small pieces of wood to attach to the backside of the album. These will help keep the clock away from the wall to allow extra room for the clock mechanism. Cut a notch – or “v” shape – into the short wood piece that will be on the top. The notch will allow you to hang the clock on a nail. Glue the notched wood behind the “12” on the clock, and the other piece behind the “6”. Put in the battery and set the time.
You’ll thoroughly enjoy your new record album clock for many years. Consider making some of these as Christmas gifts, birthday presents, and other gifts for friends and family over the years. They’ll love them, too.
Record Album Clock