Things You'll Need:
- Cedar Wood lathe Cutting and bore tools Sandpaper Drill Wood stain Clear lacquer Native American-style ornaments
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Step 1
Start with a piece of cedar a little longer than the size you want for your flute. Use a wood lathe to turn the cedar until you achieve the general rounded shape of your flute.
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Step 2
Bore the flute (hollow it) on a lathe using a gun drill bore tool.
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Step 3
Cut one end of the flute at a 45-degree angle to form the end of the mouthpiece. When you have achieved the basic shape of the mouthpiece, cut the wind slot and the mouthpiece opening.
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Step 4
Drill six holes in the flute using a hand drill. Using a pair of tweezers, take a small piece of sandpaper and smooth the inner circumference of each hole.
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Step 5
Hand-smooth the length of the cedar flute with 80-grit sandpaper and apply wood stain. Paint your flute if you like, but a natural wood finish looks best on cedar. If you do use paint, keep the designs minimal and Native American in style. Apply a thin, clear coat of lacquer over the stain. You can even glue a few feathers on for an authentic Native American effect.
