I have been able to get a few more flutes done. I also have several more in the shop ready to finish. I found a source of aromatic cedar and have been very pleased with the looks of flutes made from this.
WIll post more info and pictures as time allows- you can also visit www.clearlakeflutes.com for more pictures of current projects.
Happy New Year! A few projects I’ve been working on since the last post include a few ‘Wizards’ pipes, wooden coasters and I finished several more native American style flutes.
The Wizards pipes are patterned after Gandalf’s smoking pipe in Lord of the Rings. Fun project as it required me to go outback into the wood in search of the perfect tree branch. After selecting a branch, I stripped the bark, used the band saw to rip it in half. Then hand gouged an air tube the entire length, glued the halves back together and then whittled it down to final shape. The bowl was made from a part of the same branch. Cut to size and again, whittled down to final shape. Used a drill bit and dremel tool to grind out the bowl. Glued the stem and bowl together. Results are a working ‘Wizards’ pipe. Actually made two, with the second turning out much better than the first. Almost too bad I don’t smoke ;-0
I also made a set of coasters for my wife out of a walnut branch trimmed from one of our walnut trees (the branch that hung over the driveway and pelted my truck with walnuts every year). With a saw, I cut 3/8 inch slabs from the branch that are about 3″ inches in diameter. After some sanding, a natural stain finish and three coats of salad bowl finish (non-toxic) I had a set of walnut coasters that just happen to match our decor. I finished the bottom with felt pads - I die cut circles on my letterpress from black felt then glued them on the bottom side. Liked the way they turned out.
Also finished several more flutes and got some nice tones from them. I have now completed 14 flutes and still have one left to finish. Worked on creating some patterns in the finished flutes with a woodburning pen. Still really enjoy making these flutes- my playing still leaves much to be desired, but I continue to practice.
I will post pictures of all these projects in the next few days.
Scott
Added two new screensavers to my website. Both are shareware so you can try them out first to see what you think. PlanetScapes is actually a re-make using a new screensaver builder that allows compatability with Vista.
Keep an Open Mind- Something might fall in is a digital version of a booklet that I made in college of sayings and quotes I liked at the time (still do). It was my first attempt at making a book on my hand press. The type was set by hand, pages were printed by hand using a Kelsey 6×10 letterpress and then bound into a booklet by hand. It was a fun project and was fun to re-create as a screensaver all these years later. The original booklet was printed in 1977.
PlanetScapes is a screensaver of planet and space art images I created using photoshop and several other digital imaging software programs.
Visit www.rocketkraft.com if you are interested in finding out more about either screensaver.
A gymnastics sayings screensaver will be uploaded to the website later this week as well.
Scott
Finally found some time to get into the shop and work on flutes! Nice to have a day off during the Thanksgiving break. I have 5 flutes in various stages of finishing right now. Mix of woods, from cedar, pine, aromatic cedar and maple to sumac. Sticking to mostly 5 hole flutes since they are easier for me to play and I can always add the 6th hole later if I need to.
The most interesting one was the flute made from sumac. I took a fallen branch, drilled it out and created a flute out of it. It is short, only 15 inches long with a half inch bore in key of E. Construction was a little different, as I normally start with two blanks, router and glue them back together. It’s turning out rather well but still fine tuning it.
Watch my website ( www.clearlakeflutes.com ) over the next week or so and I will post pictures there of all the new flutes 
I also found time last night to get my books back on eBay. Had made some changes in my store that caused me to lose the book listings. They are now back up along with a dozen books that were won by one person who decided he didn’t want them, costing me money and lost time on my listings. Why do people do that??? Quite frustrating, especially when ebay gets a big chunk in fees to begin with. Also added bulk bookmark listings and more buttons, so check out my ebay store when you get a chance. Sometime this week I also need to clean out my rocket stuff, so watch my listings for rocket kits and parts.
Have a great day!!
Scott
Been busy the last few weeks and unable to find time to post. Not much new since work has been keeping me busy. I did run across a useful ebook on making Bamboo style flutes. Will give it a try when time allows.
Here is an excerpt from Marek Gold’s website….
”How To Make Your Own Bamboo Flutes” is suitable for the beginner as well as the experienced bamboo flute maker. It progressively and logically covers critical aspects of bamboo flute making right from selecting and harvesting the bamboo to the final finishing of the instrument.
By the time you’ve finished the book and actually made some bamboo flutes you’ll have a powerful understanding of the topic and know how to make bamboo flutes. Also you will larn many vital concepts that will enable you to actually develop your own bamboo flutes. You will become an artist with the knowledge to create instruments of your own design if that’s the way you wish to go.”
Interesting information, find it here
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I still have several flutes in stages of finishing- maybe Thanksgiving break will get them finished. Will keep you posted. Flute #8 sold recently - a 6 hole cedar flute, one of my favorites. On the playing side of things, I’m still taking time to practice everyday, but not hearing much progress. Doesn’t matter, since I’m just playing for myself and it helps me relax. A very enjoyable pastime!!! :-))
Just finished the new version of ‘My Gymnastics Scores’, a stand alone program that allows coaches and gymnasts to keep a record of their meet scores for the year. Program also tracks high score and averages. For both team and individual gymnasts. Unlimited number of gymnasts can be added and space for 16 meets per gymnast.
A photo section for each gymnast is also included. Print out scores for end of season banquets. Perfect for scrapbookers to organize data.
Simple and easy to use. Framework was created in Filemaker. 6 MB download. For more information, visit www.rocketkraft.com/mgs-2.html
I ran across this interesting article regarding the tuning of Native American Style Flutes by Robert Gatliff. Check out the full article here http://www.flutetree.com/nature/MythPentatonic.html
I am still hoping to find time to get to flute #11 (and finish 10). Work is rather busy lately. I have had time to make a few small changes to my website http://www.clearlakeflutes.com and have also taken the time to practice a little- which annoys both my wife and the cat :-))
Just found a book for ab exercises, check out 26 Killer Ab Exercises
Last night was our Winter sports sign-up - meaning our high school season is just about here (ready or not). Numbers looked very good - again - we should have 20 plus kids out for the High School program for the third year in a row.
As always with the start of a new season, expectations are high. It will be a very interesting year to see how the kids progress. Still a very young squad with only two seniors.
It will be a VERY busy winter season.
Spent a little time this week-end working on a new flute. Trying a shorter, smaller bore flute in cedar to see how it compares. Will be in the c, d or e range 15 - 17″ in length. Have it laid out on the blank and ready to cut out. Hopefully by Wednesday will get some more time to work on it.