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Urchin of Unknown

Woodturned Timpani Drums 1 of 5

Sol Dasika

Sol Dasika
Year 12
Haileybury College, Vic
Teacher: Stephen Hughes, Head of Design and Technology (Wood/Metal)

Bowls: hoop pine plywood, jarrah, bamboo, fijian cedar
Counter-hoops: maple plywood
Hardware: jarrah, aluminium
Stands: Laminated bamboo, stainless steel thread, vinyl tubing

20" and 22" diameter

The drums I made combine the highly traditional timpani form with modern woodturning techniques. The tone produced is smaller than standard copper timpani, and the instruments also feature an intricate spiral pattern that enhances their visual appeal.

The bowls were constructed by laminating strips of hoop pine plywood, jarrah, bamboo and Fijian cedar to form 12 square boards, from which 39 rings were cut on a bandsaw according to precise diameters from computer aided working drawings made earlier.

The woodturning was completed by moving the headstock to the end of the lathe in order to allow the large bowls to be mounted, requiring the use of a stationary tool rest. Elaborate jigs and mechanisms had to be designed and constructed for assisting with cutting rings, laminating, mounting and safe work practices. Overall, the production was an exercise in problem solving, patience and using a large number of techniques that included laminating, scraping, planing, sanding, drilling, woodturning, spray finishing, waxing, routing, bending, grinding, buffing and welding.