How to Make a Celtic Flute

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By Bill Bowman
eHow Contributing Writer

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The traditional Celtic flute produces a smooth, mellow tone. While there are many varieties from which to choose, this simple PVC flute will provide hours of playing pleasure.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

3/4-inch white PVC pipe
Ruler or tape measure
Hacksaw with fine-toothed blade
Files
Drill and drill bits
Clamps
Pencil
Cork
Masking tape

Selection

Step 1

Purchase the PVC pipe in a hardware or big-box home improvement store. They usually come in long lengths, 12 feet or more, but you may be able to find a smaller piece that has been discarded.
Step 2

Stores will usually cut the pipe to your specifications. Cut about a 2.5-foot piece.
Step 3

Smooth the cut end of the pipe with a PVC file. Make sure that the end is straight (no saw or cutter marks) and smooth.

Preparation

Step 1

Using the tape measure or, preferably, a ruler, measure for placement of finger holes and embouchure. To avoid making marks on the flute (which can be erased later anyway) you can place a piece of tan masking tape on the pipe.
Step 2

Starting at the "bottom" of the flute (the end opposite the embouchure), measure finger hole placement in inches as follows: 3.85, 5.39, 6.53, 8.77, 10.24, 11.70 and 20.67. The final hole is for the embouchure.
Step 3

It's easiest to drill the holes in a straight line, and this is how beginners should do it. Later, if you want to drill offset holes, just make certain the distances from the end are the same.

Drilling

Step 1

Support the pipe by placing it between two pieces of wood -- such as 2 by 4s -- which are securely clamped to your work table.
Step 2

Use a nail or a hole punch to create starter holes. This is so the drill bit doesn't slip and ruin your piece.
Step 3

Drill the holes using the following drill bits: 1: 5/16 inch, 2: 7/16 inch, 3: 3/8 inch, 4: 5/16 inch, 5, 6 and embouchure: 3/8 inch.
Step 4

Use a small file to cut a slight wedge in the embouchure hole, on the side that will be against your lip. This will allow for a better tone. Use the file to smooth out the other side.
Step 5

Finish the other holes by gently filing them until the surface is smooth.

Tuning Cork

Step 1

Use a piece of cork that has been filed to just fit in the embouchure end of the flute. Using a dowel, insert the cork into the embouchure end, and tune with a piano, or another instrument to the note "D" which is accomplished by covering all the finger holes.
Step 2

Tune to higher octaves, adjusting the cork as necessary.
Step 3

Trim the exposed edge of the cork once you have the proper tuning.