Slide 1

How I make a Peace Drum by Fred Haga in Clark County, Washington Slide 2 First, get a buffalo rawhide. The hide has not been tanned into leather. Slide 3 Then select some boards for frames and stands. I mostly use western red cedar boards similar to this one. Smaller, lighter drums can be framed with one inch lumber. Some of the largest drums are made using two inch by eight inch by ten foot cedar boards. Slide 4 Miter cut the frame boards to length. Slide 5 Drill the lacing holes. This is more accurate and quicker with a drill press. Slide 6 Rout the lacing holes and edges with a round over bit. Now I have my router mounted in a table and it works much better. Slide 7 Sand the lacing holes, edges, and faces. Then sand some more. Slide 8 Glue the frame pieces together, strap them tightly, and let them set over night. Slide 9 Add sausage dowels to frame joints top and bottom. Slide 10 Putty some frame joints. Avoid twisted, warped, or cupped boards. Slide 11 Sand, and sand, and sand some more. With power and by hand. Slide 12 Finish the frame with oil or wood stain or hand rubbed poly. Slide 13 Plan the drum head layout for best sound, avoiding holes. Slide 14 Cut lacing from the leftover rawhide about 30 feet of lacing per drum. Slide 15 Lace the drum head to the frame. Slide 16 Add manila rope for suspension from the stand. Slide 17 Build a drum stand while the drum head is drying. Slide 18 Label and date the completed drum. Slide 19 I use beaver gnawed sticks and sheepskin to make beaters. Slide 20 Sew a drum bonnet and carrying bag I have mine made by Cedar Creek Designs in Vancouver. Slide 21 These Peace Drums, including shape, suspension, lacing, stand, beaters and bungee are all my original inspiration, design, and creation. Enjoy.