Twelve DIYs of Christmas
Day 6: Clock Face + Hairpin Legs = Timeless End Table
Day 6: Clock Face + Hairpin Legs = Timeless End Table
At a garage sale this past summer, I bought this large wooden clock for $1. The man hosting the sale made it clear that the clock didn't work, which I appreciated, but I already had other intentions for the clock than telling time. In my mind, it would make a perfect end table with just a few steps.
First I took the hands off the clock. Next, to add needed heft, I glued a spare piece of plywood to the backside of the clock. This was an important step because the clock face itself was thin, and this layer of plywood would make sure I could securely add legs without screws poking through the face.
Did I learn this by drilling a screw straight through the clock face first? Why yes. Yes, I did.
Did I learn this by drilling a screw straight through the clock face first? Why yes. Yes, I did.
Once the backing was secure, I filled the hole from the removed hands with wood filler, then applied touch-up paint to match the clockface.
That led to the next step: screwing in four hairpin legs. As you can see from the picture below, I pre-marked each hole with pencil so I could evenly space the legs for proper balance. Hairpin legs, just like hardware, can be bought online. I happened to find these for free on a piece of furniture that someone was throwing out during bulk trash. True story! People throw away the darndest things!
That led to the next step: screwing in four hairpin legs. As you can see from the picture below, I pre-marked each hole with pencil so I could evenly space the legs for proper balance. Hairpin legs, just like hardware, can be bought online. I happened to find these for free on a piece of furniture that someone was throwing out during bulk trash. True story! People throw away the darndest things!
Once the legs were attached, I covered the clock face and spray painted the legs matte black, which I though would look classy and pull out the darker colors from the numbers. It was easier to spray paint the legs when they were attached, as I didn't have to spray one side at a time, but instead could reach all angles in one easy application.
The result is an unexpected end table that cost me a grand total of $1, given that I had spare plywood on hand and the hairpin table legs were salvaged. Originally, I contemplated selling it, and while I still might at some point, for now I'm enjoying this timeless end table in my own home.
May your DIYs be merry and bright!
Keep visiting for all Twelve DIYs of Christmas.
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