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Outside Clock

2K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  MsDebbieP 
#1 ·
Gathering Ideas

July 14, 2008

Last month I purchased a double-sided clock (which happens to match the one I had purchased earlier this year for my living room.) My intention was for it to hang outside so I could see it from almost anywhere in my yard.

With our LumberJocks' picnic being this past weekend I wanted to have the clock put up, if only temporarily. And so we selected its hanging place, attached the bracket to the deck post and hung the clock.



The problem is that the clock is not meant for outdoor use. I have sprayed a clear coat of sealant over the surface but this will hardly prevent it from falling apart from being out in the elements. And so I want to box it in with plexiglas or something.

Things to consider:
  • needs protection from rain
  • need to be able to see the clock from the front and from the back
  • the deck roofing is just a tarp (at this point) over some trellis material
  • the one clock slides to the side to provide access to the clock workings/batteries
  • it hangs by two chains
  • currently our box cooler and an old milk can sit in this corner but they can, of course, be moved
  • it might be nice to create a "grandfather clock" appearance to whatever we build
  • it might also be nice just to keep the protection "invisible" and not take away from the clock itself

Ideas and "warnings" are welcome.
 
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#4 ·
hmmm an extreme birdhouse .. never thought of that.

picnic was grand. Ralph (rtb) was the only one able to attend but we chatted for hmm about 6 hours I think.
It was wonderful.

The plan is forming but nothing finalized yet… still gathering ideas so keep them coming!
 
#9 ·
Debbi, I can't use sketch up well enough to send or even create a rough drawing but will try to convey my thoughts. How about a case, shaped like a house with the peak over the center and the ridge lines running to the sides but down from the peak. the roof(s) would slope towaid either face and woulld hang out far enough to create large eaves. Air holes could be drilled under the eaves, up where they come across the upper body. When I do something like this I like to use a poly type glue (gorillia type) to assure that the roof seams are water tight. Hinged doors with glass or plexie on one or both sides, or on one side with a "window" rather than a door on the other. flat sides and bottom. hung or a grandfather type pedistal/base which also could be hung or set flat and secured againsts wind. bird houses if you wish could be built into the base etc. wish I could use sketchup better as I can visulize the entire compleated project. just an idea
 
#10 ·
air holes under the eaves is a good idea!
and I like the idea of bird houses in the base as well.

Right now the clock is on our deck (above the cooler) but I was just telling Rick that we could move it to where the old basketball net is.

The ideas keep making this better and better!! Thanks everyone for the input - both technical and creative. I definitely have some plans forming now.
 
#12 ·
well done!

I haven't started this yet but will have to soon. I wasn't sure how I'd hang the clock from the extension and still get it to work but I see now .. it's quite deep so the strength would still be there.
That's probably my biggest concern now is the strength of the arm. The clock is quite large and heavy.
But we'll figure it out. This is really helpful!

Thanks again for all this effort and inventiveness.
 
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