Large Pendulum Wall Clock
$14.00 Large Pendulum Wall Clock
3D
Published 2020-10-06T09:32:22+00:00
SP2: This is my largest and most impressive 3D printed wall clock. The escapement is up front and the gears are very visible.
SP2B: Major update in Dec 2024 to be more reliable and easier to build is seen at https://youtu.be/16tLtGy5KAE
A video of the original clock in operation can be found at https://youtu.be/kn1OaGAae5w
The primary goals for this clock were to be accurate, functional, and nice looking. The deadbeat escapement is accurate to around 1-2 minutes per week. Runtime is nearly 8 days. Nearly every part has been optimized for 3D printing instead of just porting an old style brass design. The SP2B update is a complete refresh that is easier to assemble with a much smaller bill of materials. The gear tooth profile is a new style that prints cleaner and the escapement has been redesigned to give more consistent printed results.
The clock is over 21 inches (0.55m) tall and 9 inches (0.23m) while fitting the print volume of a Prusa MK3S (210x250x210mm) or Creality Ender 3 (220x220x250mm). The pictures show the size of this clock next to my other much smaller clock design.
Total print time is around 150 hours on a Prusa MK3 or 80 hours on a Prusa MK4. Total filament is around 1.5kg of PLA. A smaller version is also available that will fit a Prusa Mini (180x180x180mm) or similar sized machine.
A few hidden non-printed parts are required to minimize friction and achieve the long runtime. They mainly consist of music wire for the arbors, bearings, common sized wood screws, fishing line, and filler for the weight shell.
Go to https://www.stevesclocks.com/sp2 to download the latest assembly guide.
Use the forum at https://www.stevesclocks.com/forum to discuss clock making topics or assembly issues.
Parts kits are available at https://www.etsy.com/listing/1680198022 or you can source the items locally (Amazon, eBay, Ace Hardware, etc.) if you prefer.
Assembly videos of the original SP2 design are at:
Part 1 - Subcomponent assembly https://youtu.be/NduVa_3wJFY
Part 2 - Final assembly and testing https://youtu.be/IOmcpzH5iek
Assembly videos for the updated SP2B design are coming soon.
Steve
Update 06-Oct-20 Added gear8_shaft.stl to replace the 5/16" brass fabricated metal part if desired. The printed part appears strong enough if printed with 10 perimeters, although the metal part is preferred.
Update 15-Oct-20 Replaced back_frame_upper_met.stl and front_frame_upper.stl with newer versions. The previous versions accidentally had 8mm diameter pendulum support bearings, but experiments showed that 10mm diameter bearings have lower friction. The assembly notes correctly list the 10mm sizes. This only applies if building the metric version of the clock. There are no changes for the imperial version.
Update 19-Oct-20 Refreshed back_frame_lower_imp.stl and back_frame_lower_met.stl with modified versions. The old versions had a small gap in one of the support posts that created a weak spot. It is one solid object now so it should be stronger.
Update 15-Dec-20 Refreshed pallet_met.stl to remove a small occlusion in the arbor hole. This is a very minor update.
Update 05-Jan-21 Added optional enhancements for longer runtimes of 6.4 days or 7.5 days. The files are described in addendum_SP2_2021_Jan.pdf. It is recommended to start with the standard 4.2 day versions to get your clock running reliably first before attempting the optional files.
Update 20-Apr-21 Added hands_spade_met.stl. They are an optional simple style of hands that that allow a layer based color change for added highlights.
Update 25-Nov-21 Added an optional front dial with simple numbers instead of Roman numerals. The new files are called front_frame_lower_met_numbers.stl and front_frame_lower_imp_numbers.stl. They can be used in place of the original Romal numeral dials.
Update 02-Sep-23 Added Rev 2 updates to create a solid connection between the pallet and pendulum. Adjustable height standoffs are also added. All new files have a "rev2" suffix in the file names. A complete description is in the rev2 addendum pdf. The files can also be found at https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-wall-clock-rev-2-updates-321782
Update 14-Dec-24 Major refresh to simplify construction and improve reliability. This is a complete redesign using methodology developed in some of my more recent clocks. The zip file includes the new release and also the original (now obsolete) reference design.
See the assembly notes for full details. Most parts print with PLA, 0.15-0.20mm layer heights, and 4 perimeters.
| Date published | 06/10/2020 |
| Price | $14.00 |
| Time to do | 149 - 150 minutes |
| Material Quantity | 1.3kg |
| Dimensions | 170mm x 270mm x 120mm |
| Support Free | YES |
I've decided that due to the lack of vertical detail to print things at 0.3 layers with a 6mm nozzle (on a Prusa i3 MK3), Steve suggested I share the results. I haven't tried to put the clock together yet, but I've printed all the parts with a 0.6mm nozzle and mostly with 0.3mm layers. (perimeters are set per Steve's specs). In the attached picture, the gear on the left is 0.6mm nozzle, 0.3mm layer, and the right is 0.4mm nozzle 0.15mm layer. Looks identical to me! You do barely see layer lines with the bigger nozzle, but no big deal. Print times are amazing. gear2-54-12 went from 253 to 91 minutes ( 65% reduction!) Other prints were similar. *MUCH* faster, and the quality looks to be there (again, I haven't finished yet)