How to Make an Ocarina Out of Glass
An ocarina is an old-time, flute-like instrument with a hole to blow in, two to eight holes for creating musical notes, and a hole for the air to escape. History states the ocarina first appeared approximately 12,000 years ago. The shape of the ocarina varies from a simple round or oval appearance to ornate figures of birds and animals. Make a homemade glass ocarina from a round glass ball. Allow one hour to complete the process.
Things You'll Need
- 6-inch long, 2-by-2-inch board
- Safety glasses
- Tablesaw
- 6-inch long, 1-by-6-inch board
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Wood screws
- Soft hand towel
- 3-inch diameter round glass ball
- Painter's masking tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Permanent fine or ultra-fine marker
- 1/4-inch glass drill bit
- Drill press
- 400-grit wet sandpaper
- Water
Instructions
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1
Cut the 6-inch, 2-by-2-inch board in half at a 45-degree angle. Place the two cut boards on the 6-inch, 1-by-6-inch board so they are 3-inches apart, and the diagonal cuts are on the inside. Screw the cut 2-by-2s to the 1-by-6. This is a jig to hold the glass ball in place while drilling the ocarina holes.
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2
Fold a soft hand towel into quarters. Center and place the folded towel between the two diagonally cut boards. Set aside.
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3
Tear or cut four pieces of painter's masking tape 1 1/2-inches long. Position two pieces of the painter's masking tape to make an X over the location for the blow hole and exit hole on the glass ball. Place a mark in the center of the X for the drill positioning. For example; place the Xs directly across from one another on the glass ball.
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4
Hold the glass ball between your fingers and place the X for the blow hole at your mouth. Position your fingers in the desired location for the musical note holes. Hold your left hand in position. Place a mark at the note hole location under your left hand. Reposition the ocarina's blow hole with your mouth. Reposition your right hand and repeat the process.
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5
Tear or cut two pieces of painter's masking tape 1 1/2 inches long for each note hole. Make an X over the center of each note hole with masking tape. Place a mark in the center of the tape for the drill positioning.
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6
Insert the glass drill bit in the drill press. Set the glass ball on the towel in the jig to hold in position. Move the glass ball and position a hole mark at the top-center of the ball. Move the jig and the glass ball under the glass drill bit.
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7
Slowly drill through the tape and the glass ball. Exert minimal force on the drill bit. Allow the weight of the drill press to push the drill bit through the glass. Carefully remove the bit once it cuts the hole. Allow the glass ball to cool for 15 minutes. Repeat the process with each hole.
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8
Carefully remove the painter's masking tape from the glass ocarina. Submerge a piece of 400-grit wet sandpaper in water. Lightly sand the edges of each hole to round slightly.
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Tips & Warnings
A light touch is needed during the drilling process. The possibility of the glass ball fracturing is great. The painter's masking tape helps to prevent the glass from breaking into small pieces if it breaks.
