How to Make a Flute

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By publish4u
eHow Contributing Writer

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(4 Ratings)

Plastic Flute

Flutes have existed for many, many years and have been enjoyed by people with various backgrounds and lifestyles. They can range on the expensive side, so this flute is more than affordable and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

3/4-inch CPVC pipe, 15 9/16 inches long
Sharpie marker
Zero-rake drill bit
Wood dowel
Sharp knife
Wet-dry sandpaper
Plumbing pipe end
Plumbing cement glue
Sheet music (optional)

Foundation

Step 1

Purchase some CPVC pipe from your local hardware store.
Step 2

Cut the 3/4-inch CPVC to a length of 15 9/16 inches.
Step 3

Gather the supplies, such as drill bits, drill gun, sandpaper and other items listed above.

Measuring & Marking Holes

Step 1

Rotate the pipe up 25 percent. Measure 6 7/8 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it.
Step 2

Measure 8 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it. This hole should be in line with the first one.
Step 3

Measure 9 1/8 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it. This hole should also be in line with the two previous holes.
Step 4

Rotate 10 percent up from the 25 percent marks. Measure 10 3/4 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it.
Step 5

Measure 11 1/2 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it. This hole should be in line with the fourth one.
Step 6

Measure 12 3/4 inches from the beginning of the pipe and mark it. This hole should also be in line with the fourth hole.

Drilling the Holes

Step 1

Drill a 3/8 inch hole on the 6 7/8 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit.
Step 2

Drill a 3/8 inch hole on the 8 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit .
Step 3

Drill a 3/8 inch hole on the 9 1/8 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit.
Step 4

Drill a 1/32 inch hole on the 10 3/4 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit.
Step 5

Drill a 7/16 inch hole on the 11 1/2 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit.
Step 6

Drill a 5/16 inch hole on the 12 3/4 inches mark at a slow speed with a zero-rake drill bit.

Cleaning the Flute

Step 1

Stick a long wood dowel into the tube to smooth the inside.
Step 2

Scrape the holes with a very sharp knife to smooth out the holes.
Step 3

Place the tube under the faucet while you sand the tube with some wet-dry sandpaper.

Final Touches

Step 1

Apply plumbing cement glue to the outside of the pipe to attach the plumbing pipe end that will be used as a combination stopper and mouth piece.
Step 2

Drill a hole 5/16 inch from the beginning of the pipe and 7/16 inch hole size through the combination stopper/mouthpiece.
Step 3

Purchase some sheet music or download sheet music online. Congratulations, you now have your very own flute.