How big is the clock?

The overall dimensions are: 20-5/8" wide by 20-5/8" high by 1-3/4" deep.  (52.3 cm W x 52.3cm H x 4.5cm D)  It is not very heavy, and requires normal picture-hanging hardware for your wall (not included).

How hard is it to build?

Your clock kit has been designed to be built by just about anyone.  All you need is a few skills, a few tools, and reasonable dexterity.  The manual is well-illustrated and quite detailed.

There are a few things you'll need to know how to do before you get started:  

  1.  How to solder – what a cold solder joint is and how to avoid them.
  2.  How to use a multimeter to test voltage and continuity
  3. How to strip a wire.  What is “tinning” a wire and how to do it.  What does “awg” (aka wire gauge) mean?
  4. How to use a hot glue gun.

We don't cover these topics in the manual -- if you need to learn or brush up on any of this, you can learn all about it in an hour or two using Google and YouTube.  If you're brand new to all of this, we think it's all fun stuff and think you will too!

What comes in the kit?

All power supplies, electronics and the frame and clock face to house them.  Basically, everything you need to make your clock except tools.  You'll need to already have those.  We also don't provide a printed manual, but will point you to a link to download it.  We find that some people like to have a printed copy (about 70 pages), and others have had great success using a tablet to display the manual.  It's up to you!

OK, What kinds of tools will I need?

From the manual:

  • Small slot screwdriver
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire stripper
  • Multimeter
  • Drill
    • 1/8” bit
    •  3/8” bit
    • 12mm (or 1/2” if not available -- 15/32" even better!) bit
  • Soldering iron
    • This requires a fine-tipped soldering iron.  It is much more difficult to do this with a broad tip.
      • We use a 40-watt pen-style iron, like the Weller SP40NKUS.
    • Fine small-diameter electronic solder
  • Protective eyewear
  • Hot glue gun
  • Small knife/box cutter
  • Small piece of sandpaper (optional)
  • Tape (masking tape or scotch tape)
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure or yard/meter stick
  • Google (just in case you need to look up some terms or tutorials!)

OK, that doesn't sound too bad... but soldering?

Soldering is probably the one thing most people don't know how to do when considering this project.  Don't let it scare you off!   Soldering is surprisingly easy -- though we do recommend that you have at least some experience before you build your clock.  There are many video tutorials about soldering on the web, and many inexpensive "learn to solder" kits available.  The clock makes an excellent second soldering project.

If you really don't want to solder, we also offer a "mostly assembled" version of the kit.  It still requires some building (gluing and basic framing), but all the electronics are ready to go.

Can I buy a 100% complete clock with no assembly required?

Possibly.  We don't usually have them on hand, just send us an email to ask about lead times and pricing.

Electricity makes me nervous, is building the kit dangerous?

The entire kit runs on a very low voltage, which is not dangerous to people.  There are a few things you should be aware of:  Soldering irons and glue guns run hot, you must be careful not to burn yourself.  There are parts of the kit that require scissors or a small knife, so you'll also need to be careful there.  Finally, you are dealing with a large frame, you will need to exercise caution with the glass.  So, in short, it's not dangerous if you are reasonably careful.

How long does it take to build?

Overall, most people complete the kit in about 5-6 hours of build time.  The build process is broken into different sections, each of which has a basic guideline as to how long it will take. The sections also work as good stopping points, so you don't have to build it all in one session.  As we say in the manual, take your time, being careful will result in a finer end product, and we think the build process is fun.

What about shipping times and cost?  What if I want a few kits?

There are a limited number of clocks in stock at any time.  While we don't guarantee a specific turnaround time, under normal circumstances, you should expect your clock to ship within 4 or 5 days from receipt of your order.  

When we are between runs, there may be a significant lead time until your kit is ready to ship, up to a couple of weeks.  At that point, the clock is essentially on a preorder basis.  We will try to keep the stock levels updated on the buy page, and if we receive your order during a preorder period, we will keep you up to date as to the progress on our end.  If in doubt, just ask!

If you order multiple clocks, they must be shipped separately.  Given that the frames are breakable, packing more than one per box is not a good idea.

What if I have questions or get stuck when building?

The manual is pretty thorough, but we understand that there will be unforeseen questions. Please contact us if you have any problems, we'll be happy to help!

Does it look awesome when it's done?

Yes, it does!  Like train-of-thought-interrupting levels of cool.

 
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