Materials/Tools

Bodhran (Irish Frame Drum)

Wood Species: White Oak for the drum body, Walnut for the Lip of the drum, and Cherry for the rim.

Deminsions:

Outside diameter 13.5” (including Lip)

Inside diameter 13" (40.8" long strips of White Oak bent around a form).

Depth 2.5”

Width ¼”

Dowell ½” wide inside the drum at 1” from head

Top and Bottom outer edges beveled 

Lathed Beater:

Length 9.5”

Either end at ½” tapering inward to 1/3” at center with an ornamental ring at ½”

Bill of materials:

2.89 board feet of hard wood (White Oak)

Gorilla glue, 2 part Polyester epoxy

50 count copper brads

20” X 20” Goatskin head skin

Twine

Tools:
Re-saw Band saw
Jointer
Plainer
Wide Belt Sander
Router
Drill Press
Hand Sander

Species: White Oak

            The white oak (Quercus Alba), is one of the pre-eminent hardwoods of eastern North America. It has a closed cellular structure making it resistant to water and rot, and is why it is commonly used in barrel and ship making. Due to its strength it is also commonly used in Mission Style furniture, and wooden weaponry such as the Japanese wooden sword the Bokken.

           

            White Oak is strong, dense, and is chosen for instruments such as swords, batons, and drum frames due to its resistance to splintering on impact. It is also a good candidate because it is ranked G5 in the Conservation Status as secure and at lowest risk for extinction.

            Canadian Brent Santin, works in the museum field of traditional instruments and builds Bodhrans, and claims Green Ash and White oak are the best species to make Bodhrans. I looked for both Ash and Oak on the available wood list at School and didn’t see Ash but saw White Oak, so I chose White Oak. Santin says in his instructions on how to build a Bodhran that he primarily uses White oak due to its easy availability.

            I think it is a good choice for frame drum construction, because of its closed grain and strength but also it is a beautiful wood. After bending a couple pieces and seeing the drum come into shape I could tell the grain pattern would be a beautiful addition to the finished product.