How to Make Drumsticks on the Lathe
- 1). Lock the 36-inch wood stick in the lathe and turn the machine on to start it spinning.
- 2). Carve the stick with wood chisels until it is around 1/2 inch in diameter.
- 3). Carve an area in the center of the stick that is approximately 1/8-inch wide. Leave the stick at this area around 1/4 inch in diameter.
- 4). Measure back 1 inch from the center mark along each side and mark the area with a pencil. This will determine the head of each drum stick.
- 5). Carve the two 1-inch marks with a small chisel until the wood is approximately 3/8 inch in diameter at the two locations.
- 6). Round out the two 1-inch areas with a chisel to create a nice, circular stick end.
- 7). Taper the handles of the drum sticks into the heads with chisels. Create any designs on the drum sticks with the chisels for a more decorative appearance.
- 8). Sand down the drum sticks with 220 grit sandpaper. Turn the lathe off and remove the stick from the machine.
- 9). Cut along the center line with a hand saw to separate the sticks into two pieces. Sand the ends to a rounded finish.
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