# Making a working wall clock with the Clock Face Generator

> precision clock faces with Arabic or Roman numerals and real tick geometry

A clock is the rare laser project people look at every single day, and the geometry has to be right - twelve perfectly spaced numerals is not a job for eyeballing in design software. This tool generates it all: pick a **Shape** (circle or rectangle with corner radius), choose **Numbers** in Arabic or Roman (or none, or Quarters Only), set **Number position**, **Number size**, and whether to **Rotate Numbers** around the dial. **Hour Marks** and **Minute Marks** get independent widths, lengths, and tick inset, with a Dot tick style option. The **Center Hole** diameter matches your quartz movement shaft, and a **Backplate** layer is available for two-layer builds.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** 3-6 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood) or [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) up to your machine's comfortable cut thickness
- **Movement:** a quartz clock movement with a shaft length matching your material thickness, plus hands
- **3D printing:** an FDM printer with a bed that fits your dial diameter
- **Assembly:** [3M 468 tape](https://yxecreations.com/collections/3m-tape) if you laminate a face onto a backplate

## Step 1 - Shape and numerals



Pick circle or rectangle and set the **Size** - 250-300 mm reads across a room. Choose Arabic for friendly kitchens, Roman for studies and hallways, Quarters Only (12-3-6-9) for the minimalist look. Set **Number position** and **size** so numerals clear the tick band, and try **Rotate Numbers** to see whether radial numerals suit your font.

## Step 2 - Ticks and the movement hole



- Set **Hour mark width** heavier than **Minute mark width** - the hierarchy is what makes a dial readable at a glance.
- Use **Tick inset** and **Length** to pull the tick band in from the edge; the Dot style swaps ticks for clean circles.
- Measure your movement shaft and set the **Hole Diameter** to match (commonly 8 mm) - too tight and the shaft will not seat, too loose and the face wobbles.
- Enable the **Backplate** if you want a contrasting disc behind a pierced or engraved face.

## Step 3 - Export



Download **SVG** for the laser (face and backplate as separate layers) or **STL/3MF** for a printed dial with raised marks.

## Laser Cutting & Engraving

### Laser cutting



1. Engrave numerals and ticks first, then cut the center hole and outer shape - order matters because the disc can shift once freed.
2. Check total thickness against the movement: most quartz shafts handle 5-8 mm of material at the hub.
3. For two-layer faces, cut the numerals through the top layer and bond it over a contrasting backplate with 3M tape.
4. Mount the movement, press on the hands at exactly 12:00 so they stay synchronized, and set the time.
5. Oil or lacquer wood faces before mounting the movement, never after.

## 3D Printing

### 3D printing



1. Export the 3MF and slice with a color swap where the raised numerals and ticks begin.
2. A 250 mm dial fits diagonal on most 220 mm beds as a rectangle face; otherwise print the circle in two halves with alignment pins.
3. Keep the dial 3-4 mm thick so the movement shaft reaches through.
4. Matte filament for the face, glossy for the marks, and it photographs like ceramic.

## Make it yours

- Walnut plywood, Roman numerals, no minute marks: the law-office classic.
- Kids' room clock in bright acrylic with big Arabic numbers and dot minute marks.
- Engrave a family name or established date in the lower half of the dial before cutting.
- Rectangle face with quarters only makes a sharp mantel clock.
- Cut the face from clear acrylic and mount it floating on [standoff spacers](https://yxecreations.com/products/4-pack-anodized-standoff-spacers) over a wall-painted circle.
- Make a workshop clock with minute marks emphasized - actually useful for timing resin and glue.
- Gift a kit version: face, movement, and hands unassembled for a maker friend.

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Open the Clock Face Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/clock-face-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/clock-face-generator