Page 53 - Australian Wood Review №103 2019

PROJECT

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Step by Step

1. Do the maths and work out the lengths and widths needed
to build the box. Currently for a six key drum, I use key lengths
of 155, 145, 135, 125, 120 and 110mm.

2. Don’t underestimate wood movement. Most tongue drums
have the smaller end piece with the grain running horizontal,
that is running the same way as the sides, however this allows
no movement for the top and base. Run the end piece with
grain matching the top and bottom, that is vertical, this way
the assembly can expand and contract without issues.
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3. When all the pieces are perfectly dimensioned glue the top,
ends and sides together. This is a bit tricky to do. Ensure all
the measurements are correct, particularly the size of the end
pieces. Do a dry assembly first then proceed with glue. Apply
glue and rub the parts together till they tack up and then apply
the clamps. The base is glued on later after tuning. This photo
shows one of my own designs being prepared prior to gluing.
Note the base is not glued on initially.

4. You can’t have too many clamps. Note this is an early photo
when I was experimenting. I don’t glue the base on at the first
glue-up now.

5. Remove the clamps and give everything a trim to flush the
sides and top level.

6. Strengthen the joints. I used Miller dowels here which when
sawn flush also give a point of detail. Position these neatly, I have
the dowels in the top lining up with the middle of the keys. 6

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