Woodwind Instruments

Since woodturners turn wood and woodwind instruments have a share of turning in their manufacture, it was most appropriate that Neil be persuaded to take the stand for the monthly demonstration. He brought along a vast array of instruments, covering the range from the tin whistle to the bagpipes. As he went through the historical background to this type of musical instrument, he had us all enthralled with the achievements of those long dead craftspeople such as Andrew and Tom Malone of Kilrush, In 1837 they took on the job of making a set of Uilleann pipes for a local landlord, producing a five regulator set, (fashioning the keys from spoons) which are now on display in the National Museum. Another one of the items he passed around was a transverse wooden flute made in the Midlands, with its keys made from tin and pewter, and we could only marvel at the workmanship, as we examined the work of this unknown craftsman. Continuing the history he brought us through the range, the fife, (Orange flute) the various recorders, clarinet, and pipes-- Northumbrian, bag pipes and the Uillean pipes, which are probably the only woodwind instrument that originated in Ireland!

Neil then went into some of the details of instrument manufacture. Some of the timbers used here are African blackwood, ebony, boxwood, pearwood, and blackthorn, generally with a moisture content of 13%, but others can be used. However, Neil suggested that for those just starting maple or sycamore would be advisable, and in addition to the turning tools normally used, some special boring tools and reamers would be needed, as tapered bores are a feature of some instruments. Linseed oil is usually the finish used.

A question and answer session ended this most enjoyable and inspiring demonstration from a master of his subject. Sincere thanks to Neil, and we look forward to his follow-up visit. Thought for woodturners ; quote from Herbert Bayard Swope, “I cannot give you a formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure,-- try and please everybody--”.

Michael Forde