Simple DIY Wood Clock Using Scrap Plywood
Learn how to make this easy DIY wood clock with leftover scrap plywood and a wall clock kit. Add a reclaimed pallet wood looks with this detailed tutorial.
It is time to make a clock! (see what I did there?)
Can you ever have too many clocks in your home?
I think not. I am all about having a clock in every corner of the house. I want to be able to look up (and turn around, if needed) and see a clock.
So yes, we have a clock in every room, and if I could, maybe 2 in larger rooms like the living room.
Here is the problem though – being creative at heart, I can’t get myself to put up basic simple clocks.
But I can’t get myself to spend a lot of $$$ on fancy clocks…
Obviously, I make them – because I can!
In past, I have taken the simple Ikea clocks and given them lots of character and color like with the DIY Ikea Rusch makeover and Easy Ikea Skoj makeover
I have also made my own clocks in the past (long before the blogging days).
This time, I decided to use up some scrap plywood I had leftover to make a clock.
DIY Scrap Plywood Clock
I recently gave our staircase a makeover and the risers got a really quick and easy but gorgeous makeover.
I had a bunch of end pieces left over from cutting down the plywood underlayment that I put to work and now they can tell me the time! 🙂
You can adapt this design to give it a modern look with paint or add a slightly rustic touch with a stain like I did.
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Materials Needed to Make a Wood Clock
- Thin Scrap plywood (I used 7/32″ plywood underlayment) – you can use 1/4″ plywood too.
- Scrap 1/4″ MDF or plywood
- Wood stains in a few colors. I used Walnut, Nutmeg and Golden Oak.
- Clock mechanism kit (look for shaft length based on the thickness of your plywood)
- Jigsaw or scroll saw or band saw
- Power drill
- Table saw or a BladeRunner X2 (which is what i used)
- White paint pen
- A strong glue
How to Make a Wood Clock
Step 1 – Cut Base
Cutting your own base is optional. You can also buy wooden rounds from hardware or craft stores. You want it to be 1/4″ thick.
I already had a piece of MDF in my workshop that was the right size to cut out so I went with that.
- Draw a circle on the MDF/plywood in the size you like. The common size for a regular wall clock is between 10″ – 16″. You can use anything round like a pot lid or dinner plate to trace.
- Cut out the circle using a jigsaw. ( If you have a scroll saw or bandsaw, it might be easier to cut with higher accuracy)
See everything you need to know to use a jigsaw and get the best cuts.
Step 2 – Prepare Strips
- Rip the pieces of thin plywood/underlayment into 2″ wide strips. I used my BladeRunner X2 for this. You can also use a table saw.
- Stain or paint the strips.
- I used stains Walnut, Nutmeg and Golden Oak.. You could also paint in various colors for a fun colorful look!
Step 3 – Attach Strips
- Layout the strips on top of the MDF circle and adjust until you are happy with the design.
- Attach them using a strong glue like Super Glue.
Alternatively, you can use wood glue and then set something heavy on top for it to cure overnight. I was a little low on patience so super glue it was 🙂
Step 4 – Trim the Strips
Once the wood strips have dried, you want to cut off all the overhanging strips.
- Flip the circle over and cut off the overhanging plywood pieces using a jig saw. YOu can use the MDF circle as a guide to help cut the plywood off.
This will be a great time to also use a router with a flush-trim bit if you have one.
Step 5 – Add Clock Numbers
- Mark the clock numbers.
- Add clock numbers. I used a paint pen to write the numbers. You can use stickers or ready-made clock numbers.
How do you number a clock
- Find the center point of the clock and mark it.
- Mark the vertical and horizontal diameters of the clock face and divide it into equal quarters. These are the “12,” “3,” “6,” and “9” positions.
- If you would like to mark the other positions, they are the 30 and 60 degree positions. You can use a speed square of protractor to mark this
Step 6 – Add Wall Clock Kit.
Mark the center of the clock and attach the clock mechanism kit following the instructions on the package.
Tip – Use the same size drill bit like the size of the shaft of the clock mechanism and drill from the front to the back so any splintered wood is hidden on the back.
That is it!
A simple and quick DIY wood clock project that will look great with any decor style!
More DIY Wood Wall Clock Ideas –
- How to make a wooden wall clock by Woodshop Diaries
- How to make a DIY wood wall clock by Just Measuring Up
More Projects You Might Like –
Simple DIY Wood Clock Using Scrap Plywood
How to make an easy DIY wood clock with leftover scrap plywood and a wall clock kit.
Materials
- Thin Scrap plywood (I used 7/32″ plywood underlayment) - you can use 1/4" plywood too.
- Scrap 1/4" MDF or plywood
- Wood stain
- Wood stain
- Wood stain
- Clock mechanism kit
Instructions
- Draw a circle on the MDF/plywood in the size you like. The common size for a regular wall clock is between 10" - 16". You can use anything round like a pot lid or dinner plate to trace.
- Cut out the circle using a jigsaw. ( If you have a scroll saw or bandsaw, it might be easier to cut with higher accuracy)
- Rip the pieces of thin plywood/underlayment into 2″ wide strips. I used my BladeRunner X2 for this. You can also use a table saw.
- Stain or paint the strips.
I used stains Walnut, Nutmeg and Golden Oak.. You could also paint in various colors for a fun colorful look! - Layout the strips on top of the MDF circle and adjust until you like the design.
- Attach them using a strong glue like Super Glue.
- Flip the circle over and cut off the overhanging plywood pieces using a jig saw or scroll saw.
- Mark the clock numbers.
- Add clock numbers. I used a paint pen to write the numbers. You can use stickers or ready-made clock numbers.
- Find the center point of the clock and mark it.
- Mark the vertical and horizontal diameters of the clock face and divide it into equal quarters. These are the "12," "3," "6," and "9" positions.
- If you would like to mark the other positions, they are the 30 and 60 degree positions. You can use a speed square of protractor to mark this.
- Mark center of the clock and attach the clock mechanism kit following the instructions on the package. That's it!
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
I read a lot of blog posts!! This is great content work.
I like your design. I am making one using very old sawmill lumber which I planed to reveal beautiful oak. I would like to find some unique wooden hands I can stain to compliment the oak, but have not been able to locate what I want.