DIY Laser-Cut Melting Clock
by thunderlaser-nolan in Workshop > Laser Cutting
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DIY Laser-Cut Melting Clock
A melting clock combines a functional timepiece with a flowing, distorted shape that looks as though the clock is slowly draping over the edge of a desk or shelf.
This project uses scoring to create the clock-face marks and decorative details, while laser cutting creates the main clock shape and hands from 3mm plywood. The finished parts are then combined with a standard clock movement to make a working wooden clock.
You can change the dial style, number layout, scored graphics, or wood finish to create different versions for desks, shelves, studios, home décor, or personalized gifts.
For more information about working with plywood, see our laser engraving and cutting plywood guide. You can also explore the Thunder Bolt Series.
Watch the process in this short video: Watch the process on YouTube.
Downloads
Supplies
- Thunder Bolt laser cutting and engraving machine
- One 3mm plywood sheet – flat, clean, and dry
- Honeycomb pins for securing the plywood
- Glue
- Clock movement kit with hands
- Battery for the clock movement
- LaserMaker software (free) – LightBurn or RDWorks also work
- Melting Clock project file, attached to this Instructable
Laser settings for scoring: speed 300mm/s, max power 10%, min power 5%, 1 pass.
Laser settings for cutting: speed 10mm/s, max power 60%, min power 10%.
Prepare & Position the Plywood
Place the 3mm plywood flat on the Thunder Bolt laser bed and make sure the sheet is clean, dry, and free from noticeable warping.
Use honeycomb pins to hold the plywood securely against the work surface. Keep the pins outside the processing area so they do not interfere with the clock face, hands, or scored details.
Import & Adjust the Design File
Import the Melting Clock design into LaserMaker and arrange the artwork within the usable plywood area.
Assign the clock-face tick marks and decorative details to the scoring layer, and assign the outer clock-face profile and hand outlines to the cutting layer. Check the size, placement, and layer assignments before sending the design to the machine.
Set the Correct Laser Focus
Set the laser focus on the top surface of the 3mm plywood before starting the job. Use the Thunder Bolt autofocus function for a quick setup or confirm the focal position manually.
Keep the plywood flat and stable after focusing so the working distance remains consistent across the scored clock details and all cutting outlines.
Frame the Design & Start Processing
Run the Frame function to preview the complete working area and confirm that the melting clock design stays within the plywood sheet.
Check the clearance around the clock face and hand shapes. Once the position is correct, keep the plywood in place and start the job, processing the scored dial details and cutting outlines while maintaining their alignment.
Assemble the Melting Clock
After processing is complete, begin the final assembly in order. First, apply glue to the clock-face pieces and align them carefully so the layered dial sits evenly.
Next, insert the clock movement through the opening from the back of the dial and secure it in position. From the front, install the clock hands onto the movement shaft in the correct order and check that they can rotate without touching each other.
Finally, insert the battery into the clock movement. Confirm that the hands move freely and that the clock runs normally before placing the finished melting clock on a desk, shelf, or display surface.