Kit for turning LP Vinyl Record into Wall Clock?

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:38 am     Post subject: Kit for turning LP Vinyl Record into Wall Clock?

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone can suggest a kit for turning a record I have into a wall clock. It's the soundtrack to the movie E.T. from the 80s. Given that the image spans the entire face of the record and is relatively dark, I'd like to use relatively long clock hands that are white. Clock kits I've seen at craft stores tend to have hands that look too small in proportion to a full size vinyl record.

Any suggestions appreciated!
David

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:35 pm     Post subject:

This could probably be done with a standard quartz movement, although the center shaft would require a 5/16" diameter thru hole.

http://www.klockit.com/products/sku-AAAVV.html

You could also check quartz movements which have push on hands (which may require a smaller diameter thru hole).

http://www.klockit.com/products/sku-Premium_Quartex_Brand_Push_On_Movement.html

The chances are great, however, that you may have to drill the center hole of the album larger. Hands would be selected separately (and would be free with the movement). Typically, mounting hardware is inlcuded with the movement (although the push on movement may have to be secured to the backside of the record with double stick tape).

As a side note: I owned a Return of the Jedi picture disc - which turned out to be a valued antique of sorts. The same may be true with this E.T. record (so you may want to check into possible value before converting it into a clock).

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:59 pm     Post subject:

Thanks, Chris! Good idea to check for LP value. Especially given the lack of sleeve and not being NM condition or anything it's not all that valuable (more than purchase price, adjusted for inflation, maybe, but not enough to deter me from turning it into a clock!).

Consistent with what you said, that first movement specifies the diameter but the second doesn't. I've read that some people have been able to avoid drilling by simply using a flame to soften the vinyl around the hole. Since this record has no concentric paper label but is a full picture disc, I think this could work but I'd like to start with the smallest diameter center shaft possible to begin with.

Regarding mounting, I have zero experience with clock-making or anything of this sort, but given how light and flat a record is, would it not be secure enough when the parts are screwed together? That may be a dumb question but I'm just imagining a nut tightened against the movement with the record sandwiched between.

I note also a lot of options for max dial thickness and total hand shaft length and have no idea what would be optimal for this sort of thing. Any ideas there?

Again, your help is greatly appreciated!
--David

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:59 am     Post subject:

I would go with a std quartz movement, as the record is flexible the sticky tape may not hold it to the record as it will flex. Probably should go with a 1/8" hand shaft length like the one below. The movement will mount on the wall as it has a hook on the back, you may want to make a thin circle of plywood to stiffen the center hub on the reverse side.

http://www.klockit.com/products/dept-157__sku-AAAVV.html

If you are going to drive large clock hands you may want to consider this movement.

http://www.klockit.com/products/dept-157__sku-10045.html