Slit drums can be made from hollowed logs.
Slit drums are drums that are traditionally used in Asia, North and South America, Africa and many island nations. These drums can vary in sound, size and assembly method. Regardless of construction, the drums are characterized by hollow assemblies that have slits carved in the edges. The drum surface can be hit with a mallet or a hand. The sound resonates in the hollow chamber and is released through the slits.
Instructions
1. Measure, mark and cut one piece of 1/4-inch-thick walnut wood that measures 5 1/2 inches by 15 inches. This will be the top of your drum.
2. Lay the top in front of you on a flat surface. The widest part of the walnut piece should be positioned horizontally.
3. Measure 3 inches from the right side of the drum top and use the pencil to lightly draw a vertical guideline. Measure 1/2 inch from the top of the drum top and mark the spot with the pencil. Draw four horizontal lines that are each 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches apart, starting at the 1/2-inch mark. Use the flat edge of the measuring tape to keep the lines straight. The lines all should originate from the right side at the 3-inch mark. You can then erase the vertical guideline.
4. Connect the top two horizontal lines with a vertical line 4 inches from the right end of the lines. Use the flat edge of the measuring tape to ensure a straight line. Connect the bottom two horizontal lines with a vertical line 8 inches from the right end of the lines.
5. Drill small holes at both ends of all four horizontal lines and both of the vertical lines. Insert the jig saw and cut along all four horizontal lines and both vertical lines. Fold a piece of sand paper in half and sand the inside of all six lines until they are smooth.
6. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1/2-inch-thick plywood that each measure 5 1/2 inches by 8 inches. These will be the ends of your drum.
7. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of plywood that each measure 8 inches by 15 inches. These will be the front and back of your drum.
8. Measure, mark and cut one piece of plywood that measures 5 1/2 by 15 inches. This will be the bottom of your drum.
9. Set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle and cut the 8-inch edges of the front, back and sides of the drum. Make sure that the finished pieces form a trapezoid shape in which the shortest parts of the cuts and the longest parts of the cuts are on the same edges.
10. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the edges of the bottom piece. Align the front, back and sides of the drum on top of the bottom piece to form an open-top box. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to each corner joint and secure the edges. Wrap a band clamp around the structure to stabilize the pieces. Allow the glue to dry. Remove the clamp.
11. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the top edges of the front, back and sides. Center the top of the drum on top of the open box. Clamp the top in place with the band clamp and allow the glue to dry. Remove the clamp.
Tags: horizontal lines, from right, front back, Measure mark, your drum, Apply thin, Apply thin layer