Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jan 13, 2006 08:09pm | #1

   I used to make this type of wooden whistle as "givaways" for kids visiting the museum cabinetshop I once worked in. No need for a plan. Just drill a 1/2" hole (different depth gives different notes) into your stock lengthwise. I usually made these as one-noters out of 3/4" square stock, but for a "train" wistle, you can either gang three holes next to each other or use a square cross section of about 1-1/2" and drill 4 holes. Cut a notch like this     |    about 3/4" from the open end (straight side towards the open end), with the bottom of the notch extending a little less than 1/2 way into the drilled hole. Then put a plug (made from a 1/2" dowel that has been "flattened" on one side so it has a "D"-shaped profile) in the open end with a bit of Elmer's. Place to mouth. Blow. Listen. Fun! I once made and passed out a couple hundred of these things at a Christmas-time open house at the Museum. The whole place sounded like an aviary and the museum director was none-to-pleased with all the racket. The kids had a ball though -- and what else is there, really, at Christmas time?

   Now, for a real challenge, I recall in my Dad's Boy Scout manual there were plans for a similar whistle made by slipping the bark off a stick and whittling the required notches, etc. No drill presses in the woods back then, I guess.  ;-)

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 14, 2006 02:36pm | #2

   Try this link:
   http://www.binkyswoodworking.com/TrainWhistlePlan.html

   Have fun and get some ear muffs!

   By the way.. I'v seen some pretty nice wooden ones at party stores for a dollar or two each..

   
   

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   Edited 1/14/2006 6:38 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Feb 08, 2006 04:40am | #3

   Thanks, the plans are exactly what I am looking for. My wood club makes lots of toys for several hospital/rehab centers for children. The kids will love these whistles, their parents.... well that's another story but... it will make the kids happy and that makes us happy. SawdustSteve

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 09, 2006 03:38am | #4

   Saw... I'll let you in on a little secret!.. I tried to make a few of them and NEVER got it to sound right.. Guess I'm getting old.. Ones I found at the $1.00 store (made in India) sounded great?