Post #472409 by Bay Park Buzzy on Tue, Jul 28, 2009 11:24 AM

I thought I'd give one of these guys a try. I've been wanting to try making a drum without a fixed head for a while now. These look kind of simple and would be a good trial run for this type of head. I think I can knock one out in this style in about a day. I'm following the videos and basically making the same one they are.

At the end of the day yesterday, I got the log ready so I could jump right into it today. I'll go episode by episode with my progress here on this thread.

Episode 1: Defronding the log with a big pry bar. The way he does it looks a little labor intensive. I'd probably just use the draw knife or a razor blade to get rid of them.
My log came defonded:

Episode 2: Initial log stripping with the draw knife. If the skin was any thicker on my log, I would have used the draw knife like he did. I use the draw knife on about 70% of the logs I strip. I didn't need to do this step because just a couple passes with the trusty Ryobi planer didi the job.

Episode 3: I knew this guy knew what he was talking about when he pulled out the electric planer. I did this step exactly like he did.

Episode 4: Levelling the log. This was a good tutorial with the little wedge idea. I'll definitely start doing it that way. Now all I need is a level spot on my property...Only thing I do different is wait and do the top after it's hollowed. It's easier to level the rim as opposed to the entire plane of the log end. This is one of the hardest parts to get right. I used the chainsaw for the initial cut and will go back with an angle grinder and fix it up.

Epidode 5: Dividing up the log. I think I'll make a 2.75" foot, two 3" base sections and about 17.5" bell part.

Episode 6: math and drafting time. This is where I am now. I'll drag it up on the table, mark it out, and make the stencil.

Off to work!
Buzzy Out!