What Tools Are Necessary to Make a Native American Flute?

by Stacy Taylor

Overview

What Tools Are Necessary to Make a Native American Flute?

Native American flutes are popular for their haunting sound, and are often used as accompaniment in New Age, Native American and additional music styles. They are also used alone for ritualistic purposes such as healing, courtship and spiritual awareness. Native American flutes are also popular because they're easy to construct if you have the necessary tools and materials, making them an excellent choice for weekend projects.
Material

The flute body is made from bamboo, river cane or locally available wood but can also be made from exotic woods or plastics like PVC pipe. Traditional flutes typically have a hand-carved fetish in the shape of an animal on or near the end of the flute.

Power Tools

If using power tools, you'll need various saws such as a table saw or chop saw, depending on your woodworking skills. You may also need a router and a drill with bits, a belt sander and a planer or planing machine.
Hand Tools

If you don't have power tools, make your flute with corresponding hand tools.
Additional Materials

You'll need plugs for your flute, which can be made from wooden dowels or cork.
Putting it Together

Use glue that works well with your chosen medium (wood, plastic, etc.) to join your Native American flute pieces together.
Finish the Flute

Apply a good sealant like polyurethane after finishing your wooden Native American flute.
Considerations

Use a flute kit, which will supply everything you need (except tools) and detailed instructions.