Gear O'Clock

thingiverse

NEW VIDEO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCGmpHHC0Ag It's a 3D printed clock! WOOT! It consists of 12 number plates, 2 gears, and 1 mount. All units are inches. In the zip folder are two versions of the main drive gear and clock base (10" gear). The gear I sectioned into four pieces (print two of each) and a version of the drive gear that does not need supports. This should main clock base should fit on most hobby printers. I made everything so that it requires no support and fits within a 4x4" box. Instructions You will need to purchase the clock shown in the photos from Walmart or any craft clock assembly should work. I picked up the Mainstays clock because it was only $3.97 and I was unable to find the kit clock mechanism locally. If you purchase the Mainstays clock all you need to do is remove the screws around the back perimeter of the clock. Once removed you have access to the clock hands. First remove the second hand, then the minute hand and finally the hour hand. Only a gentle pull is needed. Once removed you can pry the plastic tabs on the clock backing out to remove the clock mechanism. I found a small amount of glue on mine which may make it a bit difficult. While your parts are printing you will need to take apart the clock mechanism. Make sure you remember how it goes back together. You need to access the hour hand gear and shaft. Remove the minute hand and second hand gears. Place the hour hand gear back into the clock housing and use a fine hacksaw or Dremel tool to cut the shaft flush with the clock housing. We need to cut it off because the hour hand obviously only rotates once every 12 hours. We need to press the printed clock gear onto the minute hand shaft since it rotates once every hour hence the 12:1 gear ratio. Reassemble the clock mechanism once complete. Once you get all the 3D parts printed you will need to hot glue the clock mechanism into the clock mechanism mount and press the drive gear on the minute hand shaft. You will also need to glue the numbers to the clock base and probably assemble the clock base pieces if you have a small 3d printing bed. (Less than 10x10 inches)