How to Make Organ Pipe Feet

Pipe organ feet channel air into the organ's pipes.

Pipe organs are magnificent, complex instruments. Dating back to about 200 BC, these organs developed into the versions we know today during the Middle Ages, though they could only play diatonic notes (notes played with the white keys on modern keyboards) at that time. Organ pipes are usually made out of wood or metal and feature hollow bodies that fit into a wind chest at the bottom. The foot of the organ pipe serves to channel air from the wind chest to the pipe itself.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden organ pipe, without front panel
• Hole saw
• Copper pipe
• Copper tub cutter
• Epoxy adhesive
• Dry sponge or brush

Instructions

1. Drill a hole into the center of the bottom panel of the wooden organ pipe with the hole saw. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the organ pipe. Generally, the larger the organ pipe, the larger the hole, as the foot that goes in the hole will support the entire pipe. Often, this hole is added before the pipe is complete, so you may not need to drill it at all.

2. Cut a short length of the copper pipe with the copper tube cutter to make the foot itself. The diameter of the copper pipe will depend on the size of the organ pipe and how large its foot will be -- it should fit snugly into the organ pipe hole. The length of the foot should be enough to run the depth of the hole in the bottom panel of the organ pipe and then extend below it to fit firmly to the wind chest. This could end up being several inches.

3. Prepare the epoxy adhesive and apply it evenly to the entire inner wall of the hole in the bottom panel of the wooden organ pipe with the dry sponge or brush.

4. Insert the cut copper pipe length into the hole, making sure it only reaches the top of the hole in the bottom of the organ pipe and does not extend into the interior of the pipe at all. You will be able to see its position through the open front of the pipe. Wipe away any excess epoxy glue.

5. Allow the copper foot to dry within the organ pipe completely. Once it is dried, the front panel can be replaced and the pipe can be set into the wind chest of your pipe organ.

Tips & Warnings

• When drilling the hole in the bottom of the organ pipe and inserting the copper pipe foot, be sure not to disturb the inner components of the organ pipe. Epoxy is difficult to clean, so consider using a disposable applicator for fitting the copper foot.

References

• VirtualOrgan.com; Brief History of the Organ from Hydraulis to Miditzer; Jim Henry
• Ace Hardware: Working With Copper Pipe

Resources

• Phelps: Pipe Organs 101