DIY Pallet Clock

• Pallet
• Hammer
• Foam Latex Dip Glove
• Full Wraparound Eyewear
• Dust mask
• Screws
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrush
• Clock mechanism
• Numbers for the clock face
• Black marker
• Twine or string
• Drill bits
• Tape measure
• Workmate® 225 Portable Work Center and Vise
• Clamps

Using a crowbar, hammer, saw, or the tool of your choice, separate all the slats and crossbars from your pallet and remove any remaining nails.

Cut two pallet crossbar boards to the same length as your slats. Line up your slats together on your work surface, and place the two crossbars perpendicular to the slats as shown in the photo. Use your GoPak™ Drill/Driver to drill two 1/16" pilot holes through each crossbar and partially through each slat (but not through the other side). If you have six slats, for example, you'll have six holes in each crossbar. Then, drive a 1.5" #2 wood screw into each hole to secure your boards.

Use your tape measure to find the center point of your square, and drive a temporary screw into the center point. Tie an approximately 15" (or your desired length) piece of string to the screw, and tie a marker to the other end. Draw your circle, then remove the screw and string.

Clamp your boards securely to the sawhorse. Use your jig saw to cut out the circle you marked. Tip: a 10TPI wood blade is a good choice for this task, and the GoPak™ Jig Saw makes blade changes quick and easy.

Set your GoPak™ Drill/Driver torque adjustment clutch to the drill icon, and drill a hole through the center of your circle according to the size of the clock mechanism you plan to use.

The GoPak™ Sander is the perfect size to sand the face and edges of your clock, smoothing the surface for painting and achieving the look you want. Tip: 120-240 grit sandpaper is usually about right for sanding rough wood; the higher the grit, the finer the detailing and the more "finished" your clock will look.

Now you're ready to paint or stain the clock; we recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish using latex or oil-based paint. You can decorate with stencils or stickers after the paint dries.

Attach the clock mechanism according to the manufacturer's instructions, then use the drill/driver to secure numbers to the clock face.

Be sure to screw your preferred hanging hardware securely into a stud, or use a drywall anchor with a 2" #2 screw for mounting. Then hang your clock, set the time, and enjoy!