Parts

• 1 handle: 1.75 in x .75 in x 11.5 in, with holes drilled according the positions in the illustration
• 1 drive wheel: circle with 3.5 inch diameter and 3/8 hole drilled in the center (wheel can be cut with a hole saw)
• 3 mallets: 4 in x .75 in x .5 in., with a 5/16 hole drilled in the center and a 1/8 hole drilled on one end
• Main drive cylinder: 3 inch length of 1 inch diameter broom handle
• 3 mallet support dowels: 4.5 inches long, 1/4 inch diameter
• 3 medium rubber bands (hair elastics will also work)
• Axle and crank handle: 2 fluted dowels, 2.5 inches long, 3/8 inch diameter
• A handful of screw eyes, at least 4, maybe more.
• 3 noisemaker dowels: 1/8 inch diameter, 2 inches long.
• 3 small wheels to hold noisemakers on noisemaker dowels (.75 inch diameter wheels with a 1/8 inch hole in the center)
• Washers or other noisemakers

Step 1

Assemble the drive cylinder. Make sure the eyes will align with the mallets. It can be very difficult to screw the screw eyes into the broom handle. The easiest solution is to use a hand drill to drill pilot holes for the screw eyes, though it is not absolutely necessary. With or without pilot holes, it’s easier to screw in the eyes if you use a pencil to twist them in.

Step 2

Install the mallets. Start by hammering in the dowels that support the mallets. Slide the mallets onto the main support dowel, and install the rubber bands as illustrated.

Step 3

Assemble and install the crank and drive wheel.

Step 4

Install noisemakers at the ends of the mallets. Use washers like we did, or invent your own.

Step 5

Test the drum. Do you like the beat it is playing? You can change the beat by adjusting the position of the screw eyes on the drive cylinder.