Brad Staggs, host of DIY's Repair and Remodeling, shows how to make a set of homemade wind chimes from wood scraps, fishing line and ordinary copper pipe. Materials:
1" copper pipe
Wood scraps (from 1" planks)
1/2" wooden dowel
Heavy fishing line
Key hook
Electrical tape
Pipe cutter
Electric drill
Vise
Saw
- Use a pipe cutter (figure A) to cut several lengths of copper pipe. In our example, we used 1"-diameter pipe. Vary the lengths of the individual pieces so that the chimes will create a range of sonic tones. For example, you might use 6", 8", 10" and 12" lengths. The longer pieces make deeper tones when struck.
- Create a wooden jig to hold the pipes steady for drilling. Drill a single hole all the way through each side pipe (figure B) to accommodate the string that will suspend the pipe from the wooden platform.
- Half-inch wooden dowels cut into 3/4" lengths (figure C) are used to hold the wooden platform in place. Use a vise to steady the dowel as you cut 3/4" pieces. Cut as many pieces as the number of pipes you'll be using. Drill a hole through the center of each piece so that fishing line may be fed through.
- Thread fishing line through the drilled holes in one of the pipes, then thread both ends of the line through one of the dowel pieces (figure D). Loop the line through the dowel (figure E), rather than tying it, so that the dowel piece can later be adjusted up or down. Repeat this step for each piece of pipe.
- Make a wooden platform and striker (figure F) out of wood scraps. The platform may be any shape you wish. You may want to paint or stain the wood. Drill enough holes, evenly spaced around the perimeter of the platform, to accommodate all the chimes. Inset the holes about 1/2" in from the edge. Then drill one hole through the center of the platform. Drill one hole through the center of the striker piece.
- Feed a single piece of line through the hole in the striker, and use a dowel piece tied at the bottom (figure G) to suspend the striker.
- Feed the lines through the holes and secure them at the top to a key hook with electrical tape.
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