How to Build a Deluxe Cookie Tin Banjo
You don't need to shell out a lot of money for a musical instrument when you can build one of your own. Banjos are an excellent place to start. You can construct one out of simple materials such as wood and tin. You can make it deluxe by adding your own personal touches. Paint the banjo with a design of your choosing. By making and decorating your own instrument, you will be creating something that reflects your personality.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wood saw
- Compass
- Paint
- Fret Wire
- Tuning pegs
- Tailpiece
- Banjo strings
- Wood glue
- Rubber mallet
- 3 pieces of wood 14 inches by 14 inches by 3/4 inch
- One piece of wood 2 inches by 6 inches by 1/2 inch
- One piece of wood 2 inches by 8 inches by 1/2 inch
- One piece of wood 4 inches by 18 inches by 3/4 inch
Instructions
-
-
1
Trace the outline of an 8-inch cookie tin onto a piece of wood that is 14 by 14 inches. Measure out a second circle around the first that is 10 inches in diameter. Cut out this ring and place it on a second piece of wood the same size as the first. Trace the outline and cut out this second ring.
-
2
Place the first ring onto a third piece of wood the same size as the first two. Trace the circle but leave a 4-inch by 4-inch tab. Cut out this piece of wood. Sand down any rough edges and surfaces on the three rings.
-
-
3
Cut out the neck of the banjo from a piece of wood that is at least 3/4 of an inch thick and 18 inches long. Cut the neck 2 inches wide but make the headstock 4 inches wide by 4 inches long. Sand the neck. Cut out two pieces of wood each about a half-inch thick. Cut one to 2 by 8 inches. Cut the second 2 by 6 inches. Sand the pieces.
-
4
Glue the two small wood pieces together, leaving a 2-inch overlap like steps. Glue this support piece to the back bottom of the banjo neck. Glue the neck and support piece to the ring with the 4-inch tab. Allow to dry.
-
5
Cut out the bottom of the cookie tin. Stretch the rawhide over one side and slide this side through the front ring. Slide the second ring over the tin and position it in the middle. Slide the third ring on the bottom to create the back of the banjo.
-
6
Measure out and mark the frets. Cut your fret wire into 2-inch pieces and gently pound them into the marked positions. Attach the tuning pegs to the headstock. Attach the tailpiece to the bottom of the banjo pot.
-
7
Paint a design on the rawhide surface. Add paint to the neck and the front and back pieces. String the banjo.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use care when operating the wood saw. Keep hands and fingers away from the blade and keep the saw away from children.
References
- "How & Why: A Do-It-Yourself Guide"; Matte Resist; 2011
- Lumberjocks: Building a Cookie Tin Banjo
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
