How to Make a Native American Flute Replica

Native American flutes are both a fascinating piece of artistic handiwork and a relatively easy musical instrument to learn to play. By selecting a quality piece of medium wood like cedar or maple and using just the tools that you already have in your workshop, you can make your own Native American flute replica. They can be designed to be used as an instrument or just as an ornamental addition to your home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Table or band saw
• Lathe
• Drill and bits
• Sander (either belt or hand)
• Files
• Glue
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish
• Paint
• Totem animal
• Quality piece of wood
• Book on Native American designs
• Feather
• String

1. Split your piece of wood into two equal halves using the saw. Hollow the two pieces out using the lathe. Sand them until they are smooth both inside and out.

2. Drill six holes in one of the pieces of wood, starting about halfway down the flute. Drill a valve about 1/4 of the way down the flute on the same half piece of wood.

3. Craft a stopper for the inside of the first chamber. Glue into place, under the valve, on the bottom piece of wood. Leave just enough room for air to flow over the stopper.

4. Glue the two halves together, making sure that the stopper is directly under the air valve. Sand the complete flute and seal with the wood finish.

5. Attach the totem animal by string just over the air valve. Leave just enough play so that the totem animal can be adjusted for different sound qualities.

6. Adorn your Native American flute replica with paint and feathers. Choose an authentic Native American design from a historically accurate book.

Resources

• Native American flute making resources
• Diagram of the Native American flute