Let's make a simple yet unique dodecagon-shaped analog wooden clock exploring different species of wood. A fun woodworking project to show it off on your favourite wall.

Supplies

Materials :

> Wood for the Clock Pieces- Hardwood like Teak, Ash, Oak, Mahogany, Rosewood...

> Wood for Indicator - Go for as many different species of wood to explore and you can find like pine, cedar, redheart, maple, zebra wood.....

(Make sure the woods that you get are dry and doesn't have much moisture as this may cause cracks after building the clock)

> Clock Movement Machine

> Sandpaper - 80, 120, 240, 320 Grit

> Lacquer

You can check the Fusion 360 file and drawings for your reference and making.

Step 1: Cutting Triangular Pieces

Start marking the triangle on the hardwood slab. Mark 12 triangles using a template for accurate markings. Make rough cuts using a band saw and then sand the remaining as per the template.

This step is optional; after cutting, mark the slope on the sides and sand them on a belt or a disc sander to give the piece a taper at the end. This will provide a look and depth as the surfaces taper the ends. You can skip keeping the surface flat and make the process simple.

Once all the pieces are made, arrange them to check if they make dodecagon. Match the grains to make pieces look seamless and number them.

template.pdf
Download

Step 2: Making Tongue & Groove Joint

Make a 5 MM deep cut on both sides on a table saw in all the pieces. Make sure the grooves are identical on both sides. Cut 12, 3mm thick tongue according to the groove to make the joint.

Step 3: Gluing

Apply glue in the groove and on the piece, joining 3 pieces at a time. Then glue the 4 quarters together, completing the dodecagon. Use masking tape and a strap clamp to join the pieces together. I made the mistake of gluing all the pieces together at the same time, so I ended up with a gap between a couple of pieces.

Step 4: Making Groove and Inserting Strips

To cover up the gap after gluing. I decided to inlay softwood strips that would add contrast to geometry and would work as a half-hour indicator too.

Make 12 cuts along each edge of the piece with a circular saw and a guide. Cut a contrasting colour or a softwood (Western Hemlock used here) 3MM thick strips for the inlay on a table or band saw. Glue and insert them in the grooves and sand the excess.

Step 5: Drilling Holes & Inserting Dowels

Mark the center from the middle of each edge for the center hole for the mechanism. Using a compass, mark the holes for the hour indicator from the centre. Drill Ø10 MM holes on the 8 pieces and Ø15 MM holes in 4 pieces for 3,6,9,12 hour indicators. Drill Ø25 MM hole for the center dowel.

Make the dowels of the different species of wood as per the holes. Since the dowels were small, I made them on the disc sander. Glue and cut the excess with a hand saw.

Step 6: Routing the Back for Mechanism

Using a hand router and flat bit, route the back as per the size of the mechanism in the center. Drill a hole in the center to fit the clock mechanics.

Step 7: Sanding

This is a very time consuming, laborious but a critical step. Start sanding with 80-grit coarse sandpaper and try to sand everything flush and seamless. Sand outwards from the center in the direction of the wood grain. Switch to finer grit till 330 grit. Sand till you don't feel any bumps or uneven surfaces when you touch it. I sanded it for about four hours until 1200 grit for a smooth, glossy, seamless surface.

Step 8: Finishing : Lacquer

I have used clear gloss lacquer for finishing since I wanted a natural glossy look. But you can also go for an Oil or PU finish. Apply 3-4 coats of lacquer and keep sanding with fine grit sandpaper between coats. I had applied the finish with cloth but you can also apply with a brush or spray gun. Make sure you apply the finish radially in the direction of the wood.

Step 9: TIME to MAKE !

You can experiment and mix & match with different wood, as shown above in the renders and customize it according to your liking and room aesthetics. It's time to make and build your own clock. Admire your hard work and put it on your favourite wall.