Small Pallet Clock #stepbystep

Some pallets have a different structure and come with small little blocks in between them. I recently found some of these and thought it could be cool to make a small clock out of them.  

Here's the process!

The supplies.

First, I cut the block to the right width to allow me to begin the process of boring out the hole for the clock parts.

I measured my clock box using a straigh edge.  The black part will sit inside the block.

I then drilled a hold for the clock dial to fit through.

The hole is drilled, and my square is marked out. 

Don't forget to bang out any uncessecary nails and pull them out.  I used a basic star screwdriver to tap out the nails and then pull from the other side.  Some nails I like to keep on the front, but you most likely will have to take it out, cut it down and then glue it back in place.

Next, I measured the depth of the clock box to know how deep to bore out. 

Here I am measuring my pludge depth of the forstner bit in my drill press. 

Starting the process of boring out the hole.  That circle you see was actually from a different type of circle drilling tool, but I changed to a forstner bit instead. The holes you see are from old nails that I took out.  

The boring of the hole is coming along. 

The clock box sits just inside perfectly. You want it deep enough so it doesn't hinder the other side of the box when you put them back together. 

The clock dial sticks through just enough for me to add on the outside clock parts.

Next, I took the back piece of the block, and used a smaller forstner bit to drill out holes for screws. 

After the holes were bored out, I used a small drill bit to pilot a hole for my screws. 

I then screwed my screws in with a light drill on a very light setting.  I recommend hand-tightening.  

A bunch are ready to get clock faces put on! 

The finished product.  I did a light application of stain, but then wiped it off quickly with a paper towel.  This keeps a natural look that I really like. 

 

I have more pictures on my Field Treasure Designs facebook page. Hope you enjoyed learning the process! 

Map Framing

I had a roommate in college the some pretty sweet maps.  Luckily, when he moved, he didn't want them anymore.  I was please to inherit them.  Brooke and I decided to make this map the headboard for our guest bed.  Talk about a cheap headboard!  I bought 4 cedar fence boards at like 2 bucks a piece, 8 elbow brackets and some stain.  Here's the proces:

I Made My First Knife

Thanks to a good friend of mine for showing me how, I was able to make my first knife.  Here are some pics... Hope you like it!

Old Ship Lantern Project (Adding a Light)

I had been eyeing this old ship lantern at an antique shop nearby for a few weeks.  When I went in the other day, the booth was all 50% off. Bingo!  This thing is so cool looking!  I wish I knew its story.  What ship was it on?  Where has it sailed?  On the lower portion on the front, it says Manufactured by Topping Bros.  And then I can't read the location under it.  (I might have to research that a bit.) 

As you can see, there was nothing inside, but the blue glass was dying to get some light to shine through it.  Thus the project of adding a new light...

Started by tracing out the circle by measuring the diameter and then tracing out the radius all around.

Used my scroll saw to cut out the circle.

Used my drill press and my sandpaper attachment.

A good fit!

Next I measured out the diameter of the light socket for the hole.

Bored it out.

A little more sanding.

I needed to add a top and bottom piece because the socket was a little big.  This is the top piece and here I am jigging out a place for the wires to sit.  You will see that in a few.  The flat bottom piece that I cut out isn't shown.

I then needed to glue all 3 pieces together.  I used my vice and a clamp for about an hour or two.

Meanwhile, I needed to do a little bit of electical work to prepare the cord and socket.  First, I snipped the end off of a simple extension cord.  

Next, I pulled the two wires apart.  (There was no need for electrical tape on the ends, by the way.)

I then ran my cord through the small hole I drilled in the back of the lantern.

Then, I fitted the wires into the bottom of the socket.  This one is nice because it has two sharp points that go through the wire housing to make contact with the actual wires.  

All wired up and ready to go!

I then needed some way to make the light replaceable, in case the bulb burns out.  After brainstorming, I grabbed an old picture frame and took off these guys.  I have no idea what they are called.  If you do, I would love to know.  For now, they are just "picture frame holdy thingys".

I then drilled very small holes around the bottom opening and screwed each in.

All ready to go. I did 4 total to make sure the wooden plate would sit evenly.  

Because my wooded plate hung over just a bit from the bottom edge, I had to take my router and route out just enough for each "picture frame holdy thingy" to be able to have enough clearance to slide over the top to hold it in place.

Bam.  That is what it looks like all finished up.

I decided to back up a step and show what it looks like before you put the bulb in place.  I thought a small 40w appliance bulb was a good fit and look.

Hope you enjoy the next few pics!  I tried hard to get some good views!  Not sure if the pics to this old ship lantern justice, but I went for it.

Thanks for joining my on my latest project!