NAF True Sound Hole

Jiminidaho asked me to share some secrets on how I do my sound hole.

I just want to say there are other professional makers who are really against sharing any of their secrets and that's their right. In the begineig it was about sharing information, that's how these crafts were created and thats why we are here now, and primarily thats what this great forum is for. So I am happy to give a heads up on the sound hole issue. I am not going to give everything away though as I believe there is much more to be learned in a bit ot trial and error experimentation. I do have kits I sell on my website for those serious in teaching themselves the craft. If you want to understand how a NAF is made then I strongly suggest asking me about my kits privatley so PM me.

OK now very simply this how I do it.

Make some square pokers, these ones I made from key steel which was all I could get at the time 6mm, I hace 2 profiles that you can see here. The pointier one I stab the hole with from the top and the stubbier one I squrae up the hole at the bottom.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/a...igJul09002.jpg

Now heres the bottom of the blank with the piolt hole in, I drill pilot from the top to stop tear out in the critical top side which is going to be cutting edge 9fipple) later on.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/a...igJul09004.jpg

Burning in the hole, I move the poker sise to side. There is a thich heavy board which stops the poker going too deep. I work it squarely side to side with a gear shift like action quickly staying in the confines of the trench edges.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/a...igJul09005.jpg

I reheat then go back for cleanup burns, always being careful not to get the wood too hot as it can loose the sharp edges that I need to preserve, later a cleanup can be done with a file so make the hole just under size for now.

Below is finished with the burn and ready to have the cutting edge notched in with a chisel or knife.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/a...igJul09007.jpg

Well thats the basics of how I do it, hope that helps.

Careful with the fire, thats obvious isn't it?

SpiritFlutes

Very interesting SpiritF.

What is the purpose of burning in the holes?

Is it to harden the edges so they wont swell with moisture?

Sharing is good. Lots of people pick up new ideas and a few will use them to make their own version. It is unlikely that many of us amateurs would be interested in competing on a commercial basis. As I am sure you appreciate, there is a lot of difference between reading a plan and making a successful project.
I enjoy learning and making interesting projects so I am glad that there are experts like you who are willing to help mugs like me.

I am glad you found out how to post bigger pics too.
Cheers.

Well the reason's are many. Yes it does harden the edges which serves for a stronger and sealed end grain ensuring longevity of the cutting edge and TSH but

The edges need to be cleaned up with a file so I don't suggest going all the way with the burning process, just leave a bit of room to clean it up, if not and it's rough then the nescessary cleaning up can oversize the hole.

Considering this is a flute with it's roots in the ancient world using an ancient process seems appropriate and I certainly find this method more enjoyable than the old way I once did it which was all carved out. Maybe that's because I am a big kid when it comes to fire but it also makes quick work of the job but I stress that it is always best to practice first on test pieces cause the process takes a lot of care and skill.

Its good to use a fine detail carving knife in between burns to dig out corners and help with the process of making the burn neat.

Spiritually the fire is very powerful so this brings the element of fire into the flute as does the sun growing the tree, all the other elements are also present. That's a whole philosophy and for a thread on it's own but very integral to look at none the less as it is a very big part of this instrument.

I was shown this method by one of my teachers Guillermo Martinez and I like it so much I will never go back, If something can be simple why make it complicated. It was a good lesson to shatter beliefs that chisels make best mortice's for this purpose.

An added bonus is if I am working late in my un heated workshop and I am burning sound holes I can warm my hands while I wait for the irons to get hot.

I welcome other pro flute makers on the scene as the world needs more flutes. There would be heaps of makers around if it was an easy craft but fact is it isn't really but it is very satisfying and rewarding.

There's nothing better, I believe, than creating something that is for creating joy.

SpiritFlutes

Thanks SpiritF, I like your explanations.

One day I might see if I can make a pair of hot pokers.

I couldn't imaging your shed getting cold enough to need heating but I do like a good fire.

I showed my flute to a friend that plays the NAF. He was impressed. He likes everything creative.
Apparently he is self taught so his playing is a bit unorthodox.He got some amazing sounds out of it too.