Can Making This Rainstick Transform Your Life?
No. Not at all. But it makes a really cool sound!
Traditionally rainsticks were made of bamboo, with spikes driven in as the baffles. We are going to make ours out of 1/4″ plywood, wire mesh, and rice.
Start by cutting strips of plywood at a 30-degree angle.
Tape the strips together before gluing.
Now glue each seam carefully.
Roll up your rainstick and hold in place with rubberbands and tape.
Trace two end pieces and cut with a jigsaw. These can be sanded down to size later.
Use a Forstner bit to drill halfway into the end pieces, creating an impression that will hold your dowel rod in place.
Measure your dowel rod and trim to size.
Using wire mesh, or “hardware cloth”, cut small squares the size of your tube. This will take a time, as you need a LOT of them!
Thread the mesh squares onto your dowel rod.
Slide the dowel rod into your tube.
Glue the bottom on securely.
Pour rice, metal BBs, or small items of your choice into the tube. Then glue the remaining end securely.
Sand your rainstick, especially the end pieces.
Use oil or finish of your choice. I used Danish Oil for my rainstick.
Now enjoy the sound of your finished rainstick!
