Bagpipe practice chanter

G'day all,

I have just gotten hold of some Mulga and am wanting to have a crack at making a practice chanter. For you non pipers out there a practice chanter is a little bit like a recorder and used to practice tunes on. A lot quieter than the full set of pipes so as not to disturb the neighbours and scare the local wildlife.

The thing is that I need to be able to bore a 5/32 inch (approx 4 mm) hole the length of the lower piece, around 300mm long.

Any suggestions on where I can get an appropriate tool for this. There is no real hurry at this stage as it will be around a year before the timber is dry enough to turn.

Thanks in advance for any help offered.

Grant.

Simplest method is to use a gun drill, depending on brand and type approx. $100-300, you will also require a hollow cup center for the tail stock.many pipe makers make their own drills, plus many other items unique to the tradeI purchased mine here https://www.guhring.com.au/products/products.html some years ago

Thanks China,

I had thought of a gun drill but did not know if I could justify the expense for a one off experiment.
I have an ABW RG Hardie and a poly Dunbar chanter that I use now so don't need another, it's just that I enjoy woodwork as well and thought why not give it a crack and see what happens?

Thanks again for your input,

Grant.

You could make a one-off spade bit type drill from 4mm rod, it will work but will require lots of pulling in and out to clear shavings. Start off with a normal twist drill to originate the hole and then gently ease in the rod drill. Providing the rod is straight it will be self guiding.

Alternatively, it’s not beyond the realms of fantasy to make the chanter in two halves with a 2mm cove running down the centre of each; the two halves then carefully glued together.

If it iis just for a experiment I would suggest making your own, will be much less expense plus it will be part of the build, there is lots of info on line just google it

Thanks fellas,

I will have a go at making a bit when the time comes. As China pointed out it will be part of the learning experience.

I got the Mulga from Charleville in western Qld earlier this month when I was doing a bit of work out there. Am off to Mitchell next month with work and may try and bring back a bit of Brigalow to try as well.
When I get around to trying the project I will post it in this forum, whether successful or not, for anyone who may be interested.

Grant.

Rough out the blank now wax it and put it away to dry =6-8% moisture content

Will do China.

Thanks,

Grant.