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You can make a simple PVC flute with 3/4-inch pipe, a matching cap, a drill, and a hole pattern. This guide follows one published template from Making Music magazine, called “The Plumber’s Pipe.” Use that template’s full diagram and dimensions together: a separate supplier guide uses a different pipe length and hole layout, so mixing the two plans can change the result.
Materials and tools
For the “The Plumber’s Pipe” template build, gather:
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- 3/4-inch PVC pipe, cut to 15 9/16 inches
- A cap that fits the pipe, plus PVC cement
- A drill and the bits specified on the template: 3/8 inch, 3/8 inch, 3/8 inch, 11/32 inch, 7/16 inch, and 5/16 inch
- A tape measure and tape to secure the paper layout
- A knife for removing burrs, sandpaper, baking soda, water, and a scouring pad for finishing and cleaning
- Protective eyewear for anyone drilling or watching the drilling
The template’s diagram is essential: it shows where each hole belongs and which two holes are rotated away from the baseline. The pattern’s rotations are described as 25 and 10 degrees. Obtain and print the complete “The Plumber’s Pipe” template before drilling; the measurements above are not enough to reconstruct its hole locations or orientation on their own. The template was produced for Making Music magazine based on Mark Shepard’s book Simple Flutes: A Guide to Flute Making and Playing.
Make the flute using the template
- Print and cut out the layout. Print “The Plumber’s Pipe” template on standard letter paper and cut along its dotted line.
- Cut the pipe. Measure and cut a 15 9/16-inch length of 3/4-inch PVC pipe.
- Wrap and align the diagram. Wrap the paper around the pipe, aligning the template’s edge with the end of the pipe. Tape it in place so the printed hole positions and rotations stay aligned while you mark or drill.
- Attach the cap. Glue the cap onto the opposite end with PVC cement, following the orientation shown in the diagram. Allow the cement to set according to its product directions before handling or playing the flute.
- Drill the mouth hole. From the capped end, measure 5/16 inch along the baseline and drill the 7/16-inch mouth hole.
- Drill the remaining holes. Follow the template’s indicated positions, order, bit sizes, and rotations exactly. It specifies holes using 3/8-inch, 3/8-inch, 3/8-inch, 11/32-inch, 7/16-inch, and 5/16-inch bits; do not infer a location or substitute a measurement from another plan.
- Finish the holes and clean the pipe. Remove burrs with a knife, sand the edges smooth, then clean the pipe with baking soda, water, and a scouring pad.
Work safely
The University of Rochester physics lab manual advises: “When you are drilling make sure that everybody watching the drill is also wearing protective eyewear.” Wear eye protection while drilling and ensure observers do too. Secure the pipe before drilling, keep hands clear of the bit, and follow the drill and PVC-cement manufacturers’ safety directions. Use a knife carefully when removing burrs, cutting away from your body, and work where there is suitable ventilation when applying cement.
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What to expect from the result
The dimensions affect the instrument. PVC Fittings Online notes that a shorter pipe produces a higher pitch and a longer pipe a lower pitch. Its separate beginner guide uses about 15 inches of 3/4-inch Schedule 40 pipe and its own hole measurements; that is not the 15 9/16-inch template build above. Doug Tipple’s guide describes another simple PVC-flute approach as well. These plans show that more than one design exists, not that their parts or measurements are interchangeable.
The cited plans do not establish that every pipe and maker will produce a particular key or tuning. This build is a way to make a flute from a published hole pattern, not a guaranteed tuning specification.
Quick Recap
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