In the past bamboo has been used to make everything from huts to watermills.The plant species is strong and can be used for almost anything.That includes instruments as well.It is used for a variety of things, including flooring, material and even paper.When bamboo is properly carved, it makes beautiful music.
Step 1: Supplies should be gathered.
You need a drill, a Dremel, and attachment to make a bamboo flute.You will need a sander, masking tape, saw, ruler, box cutter, and sharp knife.You should be able to find them at the hardware store.
Step 2: Go for bamboo.
You don't always have to buy bamboo if you need it.Sometimes a plant that is not native to your area can grow on the side of the road because these plants tend to take root and thrive anywhere.You can buy bamboo from your local hardware store if you can't find it in nature.You can look in your local yellow pages.You could use bamboo rods that come in carpet stores.
Step 3: You can choose a quality bamboo.
When selecting bamboo, make sure it is at least 1/3 of an inch in diameter.Thin-walled bamboo is the best sound.Look for a piece of seasoned bamboo that isn't cracked.It should not be flexible or have holes.The bamboo should have at least one notch where it is solid inside, instead of being hollow like the other parts of the bamboo.It is marked by ridges that look like bamboo joints.The end of the flute is referred to as the "cork" because it should be smooth and without holes.
Step 4: The bamboo has branches.
If necessary, use a hacksaw.From where you cut off the bamboo, you will want to sand it down.If you have a hand sander, you can use it to do this.The piece of bamboo you chose might have more than one.If it is a long piece of bamboo, choose the part of the bamboo that you are going to work with and sand down the rest.
Step 5: The length of the pipe is determined by the key.
The key that it plays is determined by the length of the pipe.A 14 inch length of pipe is needed to make a flute that plays in the key of A.For an F flute, cut it to 18 inches, and for a key of D to 21 inches.The section of bamboo that you choose should be more than half the length of the instrument.If you want a 14 inch flute, the nodes should be at least 7 inches apart from each other.There should be more than 7 inches of tube between the two points.The goal is to cut it so that there is at least one at the end and one in the middle.After you cut it to size, you want the flute to have at least one end in the middle.It should have at least one.Wrap a piece of masking tape around the area you want to cut.The tape stops the bamboo from splintering.Cut outside of the building.Don't cut into it.
Step 6: To make the cork, you need to select the nodes that is to become it.
The part of the bamboo that you want to cork is near the end.Use a pencil to mark out 2 cm (0.78 inches) from the ground.The cork of the flute is located here.The embouchure will be placed close to the blow hole.This area should not be cut into.
Step 7: If you want to be your cork again, make sure you check the one you selected.
The flute's tone might not be right if there are holes in it.
Step 8: The solid nodes need to be knocked out.
The outer portion of the pipe is hollow, but the inner portion is solid.Only the one near the end serving as your cork will be knocked out.You can use a hammer and chisel.Hit the top of the tool with a hammer when you stick it up against the tube.You will chisel it away slowly.One option is to burn out the nodes with a hot poker, but it's the most likely boring option because of the long drill bit.
Step 9: The inside of the flute needs to be cleaned.
Wrap the rod with sandpaper and tape it to it.To smooth the inside of the bamboo tube, rub the sandpaper against it.Sand the places where the nodes were located to make it as smooth as possible.
Step 10: Measure the wall thickness.
Now that the bamboo is open, you can see the thickness of the walls, which you need to know to calculate the embouchure's diameter.Use your ruler to measure each one to the nearest millimeter.Set them aside for later.
Step 11: Measure the position of the embouchure.
The embouchure should be one inch up from the cork.If the width or diameter of the bamboo is 8 centimeters, you can measure it up from the cork.The center of the blow hole will be placed here.The length of a circle is the diameter.
Step 12: Determine the diameter of theembouchure.
You need to know how wide the blow hole is because it affects the sound of the flute.Flutomat has a flute calculator that you can use.Measure the flute's inner diameter and wall thickness and choose the key you want it to be in.If you want to skip this step, you can cut your flute to a specific length.The diameter for the embouchure will be calculated by the application.Write down the diameter of the hole.For instance, suppose the diameter of the blow hole is 10mm (0.393 inches), then the following finger holes have the same diameter.
Step 13: Between the finger holes, measure the length.
The calculator calculates the space between the edge of each hole and the open end of the flute.The measurement is based on the distance from the embouchure.To make sure the holes fit on the pole, mark where they should be.Once everything seems to fit on the bamboo, you are ready to drill.
Step 14: Begin to drill the embouchure with the bamboo.
Attach the wood clamps to it.With the embouchure facing up, use the 2mm drill bit to make your mark on the first hole.If you want to make a small hole, increase the drill bit to a larger one.If you want to make your holes bigger, increase the size of the drill bit.If your embouchure is 10mm, you should increase your drill bits in order to make the hole larger.Hold the bit to the bamboo with a steady hand.If you hold the drill at an angle or are not stable as you drill, you could cause problems with the bamboo.Be careful as you drill.
Step 15: You have to sand the hole.
The hole can be made nice and smooth with a Dremel or a similar tool.There is a sanding attachment on the tool.You can use one of the attachments.To check the paper, feel it.The more rough the sandpaper is.While being careful not to change the shape or size of the hole, gently sand it with medium grit and then a smooth sandpaper.
Step 16: Take a blow into the embouchure.
To make sure you get a "flute-like" tone, you need to test it.If you think the embouchure needs adjustment, sand the outside edge with a sanding file at a downward slant.It is better to play it safe and not make any changes if it sounds good to you.
Step 17: Make sure you check your finger hole markings.
Make sure they are in the right place.The space between each hold is given by the Flutomat calculator.The hole's center isn't given by it.You need to make your hole half the diameter.The center of the hole will be here.Then, drill the same way you did the blowhole.Make sure you mark your holes with a straight line.Start with the smaller bits to make a starter hole.To get to the size drill bit, slowly increase the larger bits.Some parts of the bamboo are thinner than others.When you are drilling, be aware of this.This area is thicker than other areas if you have to drill a hole over it.You should take your time and drill slowly.
Step 18: The insides of the holes need to be cleaned up.
Sand the edges of the hole with your tool.If you're afraid of making mistakes or sanding too much, use the sanding file.They are great for smaller holes.You are ready to play when you clean up the drill holes.