Magnetic Clock

Project Overview

In this project, I used a variety of tools such as the Bantam milling machine, the laser cutter, and Corel Draw. Since this was my first time using the milling machine it had challenges with changing the different bits at first, but the more I practiced the better I got. Another challenge that I encountered was figuring out why the screws didn't fit in at first. After talking to my teachers and peers, we concluded that the acrylic was too thick, and the best option would be to drill in bigger holes. This was a frustrating process because of the amount of time it took versus the amount of time it should have taken. The best part of this project was laser engraving my design onto the acrylic. I learned through Mr. Dubick, that to decrease the amount of time for a cut on the laser cutter, you can change the settings and turn the power down so instead, it will cut the design very lightly looking like an engraving. I am very satisfied with the final product of how my clock turned out.

Designing the Clock Face:

The first step to make the magnetic clock is to design the face of it. I chose a BB8 design for online and then uploaded it to Corel draw. I traced the Bitmap and turned it into a SVG. Then by using layers I locked the BB8 and centered the SVG. to the template provided. I made the template lines hairline and the BB8 engraving into 2 point. This hairline is so it tells the Laser cutter to cut and the 2 point thickness to engrave.

Milling the Clock Face:

Workflow for Other Mill or Bantam Tools

Preparation Phase Bantam Tool


  1. Download file

    1. Geber

    2. Eagle

    3. SVG

  2. Clean the Bed

    1. Use vacuum and remove loose materials.

    2. Wipe down with alcohol

  3. Configure the Bantam Tool

    1. Select tool (end mill or engraving bit) by selecting change

      1. Choose tool under New Tool

      2. Install tool by loosening collet and replacing tool

      3. Click continue

      4. Verify tool position

      5. Locate tool

  4. Material

    1. Select material - generic or FR1

    2. Measure the width and height of the conductive material you wish to mill (PCB - FR1)

    3. Enter the width and height values .

  5. Tape down the material use with to mill Use nitto tape (double sided tape)

    1. No overlaps

    2. No wrinkles

    3. Make sure to put away once done

  6. Z Height

    1. Move probe over FR1

    2. Click on Bit Breaker menu choice

    3. Probe Material Thickness

  7. Check placement

    1. Are you cutting material?

    2. Are you too close to anything?

    3. Align bracket on the left side

  8. Move

    1. Rehome - setting x and y origin

    2. Origin

    3. Loading - use this to load your material

Material Preparation Phase



  1. Open file

    1. Placement

    2. Scale

    3. Parts To Mill

      1. Engraving Cutout

      2. Engraving Depth - 15 mm

      3. Milling Tools


Start Milling



I used this drill bit to get the correct thickness for the groves.

I changed and loaded the bit into the Bantam machine.

I then placed Nitto tape onto the back of the acrylic to keep it secure on the bed.

Once the Nitto tape is secure. I imported the file into the Software.

File uploaded in software.

I changed the setting according top the workflow, and started the job.

IMG-0380.MOV

Laser Cutting the Clock Face:

After milling the groves into the acrylic, I imported my design into Corel Draw. I followed the Laser Cutting workflow and put in the right numbers for the settings to engrave my design.

Putting Together the Clock:

Following the instructions, I put the various pieces of the clock together and used gorilla glue with an accelerant to stick the magnets together. Finally, I put in AA batteries.

After laser cutting my design and putting the clock face together, I assembled everything with plastic screws which were provided in the kit. Since the acrylic was too thick I used a drill to drill in deeper and slightly larger holes.

Final Product:

IMG_7450.MOV