How to Make a Whistle Using Bamboo

If you like working with your hands, you may be looking for something interesting to make. With a piece of bamboo and a few tools, you'll be able to make your own bamboo whistle that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bamboo
• Measuring tape
• Handsaw
• Knife
• Hot glue gun

1. Get two pieces of bamboo that are hollow. You want one of the pieces to fit snug inside the other one. You should not have to force it in, nor should it be loose.
2. Use the measuring tape to measure out a 4 1/2-inch piece of the wider bamboo and cut it using a handsaw. For the narrower piece, cut two smaller pieces that are 0.6 inches long.
3. Shave off a side of one of the smaller pieces of bamboo with the knife. You should only remove a sliver off, so you have a flat side. Don't cut into the center.
4. Fill the centers of both of the smaller bamboo pieces with glue. No air should be able to pass through them.
5. Measure a mark 0.6 inches down from the top of the long piece of bamboo. Use the saw to cut into the mark until you have just reached the hollow center.
6. Make another mark 0.6 inches down from the saw cut. Place your knife on this mark and cut at an angle towards the saw cut. This will make the top notch for the air to escape the whistle.
7. Insert the flat-edged small piece of bamboo into the notched end of the long piece of bamboo, so the flat side is up towards the notch. Glue in any gaps of space between these two pieces.
8. Put the other small piece of bamboo into the bottom of the long piece of bamboo and fill in any gaps with glue. Let the glue dry and your bamboo whistle is now complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If your bamboo is not hollow, use a pen or drill to remove the interior.
• If no sound comes out of your whistle, check to make sure there are no remaining gaps between the pieces. Seal any gaps with glue.