On this project I used Inventables X-carve CNC machine:
Tools and materials I propose:
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In this video I make a kalimba in the shape of a cat. I made it out of mahogany wood.
I begun by planning my stock flat on my planer jointer machine. I then squared it up on the table saw.
After that I screwed the wood on my CNC’s base. I set up the x-carve with easel ( it’s online software ) and started carving the body of the instrument with a straight bit on the 3D carver’s router.
I then cut the excess material on the bandsaw and used a flush trim bit to make everything flush.
To make the top I glued a piece of mahogany on a plexiglass using double sided carpet tape. This allowed me to plane the piece really thin on the planer.
I could make the top easily on the CNC but I wanted to show a more traditional way for those of you who don’t have access to a 3D carver. I first added tape on the board and then used spray adhesive to glue the template on the piece. I drilled the eyes with forstner bits. Then I cut the shape on the bandsaw.
I glued the top with the body. I sanded everything flush and then used a chisel and a scraper to reach on the the difficult spots.
I then sanded everything from 100 to 320 grit.
To make the bridge I first made a small brass cylinder on my machinist’s lathe.
Then I flattened on side using a file. I also drilled two holes on it’s ends. On cylindrical pieces it helps to hold them in a special triangular wood block while drilling.
I then epoxied a nail on a wood block to make the sides of the bridge.
I made the kalimba springs out of an old hacksaw blade. I first cut the blade into stripes, using my rotary tool and metal cutting discs. I the widened one end of the springs. I first heat it with a torch and then hammered it.
I finished the piece with a few coats of clear and then added the springs and tuned it to my likeness.
Notice that the grain of the wood are parallel with the springs. This is important for the instrument’s tone.
I am really happy with the way my catlimba came out. But that was it, see you soon with a new project video.
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