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How to make a drum from a can and a water or soda bottle made of PETE 1 type recyclable plastic

video How to make a drum from a can and a water or soda bottle made of PETE 1 type recyclable plastic

This is a video on how to make a durable drum head using a soda bottle or water bottle. This material shrinks when you heat it and will secure itself to any can with a rim. No glue or tape in needed! Also, because the materials are commonly found in recycle bins or even along side the road the drum is essentially free. watch the video to see how to make it.

Please note: Plastic can release harmful fumes when overheated. It is best to do this project with good ventilation. That being said, if you follow my instructions and don't overheat the plastic, there is little chance of fumes being released.

Happy drumming!

23 comments

Apr 23, 2011. 10:48 AMmitchell12 says:

This actually gives me a great idea on how to make a simple altimeter/ air pressure indicator! The hardest time I was having with it was making a membrane that was strong,tight but still had give. I only thought of it when you punched a hole in it to prevent pressure!

Jan 1, 2012. 11:47 AMpheenix42 says:

I LOVE THIS!!! Not only can you make a drum, you can also use this idea to seal something into an empty can!

Thank you, and God Bless! (^_^)b

Apr 4, 2011. 8:54 PMbahaminb says:

man, your scissors, BADASS! cool video too.

Mar 17, 2011. 4:48 AMdavidabishek says:

Thanks for the idea, really love it. I'm gonna make it for my lil' brother who is gonna be a drummer when he grows up. I am totally touched by ur credits. Also i would be interested bout the mission work in which u were involved. GOD BLESS.

Apr 1, 2011. 5:00 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

Thank you for your comments. The Mission was to build houses and do a bible school for a poor community in Mexico. I spent afternoons with about 60 kids from the bible school doing some drumming and talking about Jesus Christ. The drumming was a new thing that was added this year. It was a huge success! The kids loved it. I hope the message we were trying to impart to them sunk in a little. The concept I working from is that God put a rhythm in all of us. That rhythmn is the beating of our heart. Like the beating of our heart God is with us throughout our life. Therefore, we should praise Him with not only words and song but rhythmn as well. God Bless to you as well!

Mar 24, 2011. 9:01 PMMthood2 says:

In an attempt to make one of these drums I used 5 bottles, attempted to attach the head 7 times, used up all the fuel in one lighter, burned myself, and spent an hour and a half trying to do so. Now I'm out of usable plastic. I used a zippo instead of a blowtorch so maybe that contributed to my failure...? Anyways, this is GREAT instructable and an excellent way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Apr 1, 2011. 4:51 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

I have really had no success with any type of "Yellow" flame lighter. Small "Blue" flame torch-like lighters can be found ( I pulled one out of my pocket in the video). That is the smallest type of heat source I would try to use. Even that lighter gets very hot when making a drum. The great thing about making these is if you mess up you can recycle your mistakes and try with fresh bottles!. Try a bigger heat source. I am sure you will find the right combination. Good luck!

Mar 12, 2011. 12:53 PMCheezpaper says:

Haha nice idea. I made some out of paint cans; they have a much bigger opening.

Mar 13, 2011. 12:24 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

I have made some from large cafeteria tin cans. It is great to be able to make different sounding drums.

Mar 10, 2011. 4:26 PMioioio83 says:

Thanks dude i just made this with my dad for a music project and i'm hopefully going to get a good grade it sounds great. Awesome intructable

Mar 10, 2011. 8:16 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

That is great! Let me know how it goes. Yours will be the first grade this drum has received! Good luck!

Mar 8, 2011. 1:41 PMawilliamsid says:

Glad this is catching on! Glad you found Instructables. And, a good first!

Mar 8, 2011. 6:54 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Pass it on to music teachers, street drummers or anyone who you think might be be interested.

203

Mar 7, 2011. 3:04 PM

Computothought says:

Thall shalt re-purpose....

Mar 8, 2011. 6:53 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

I was amazed at how the PETE 1 plastic behaved for this! I thought I was going to just heat it and form it around the rim and glue it. But the material attached itself to the can!

Mar 7, 2011. 12:43 PMjoknrok says:

Holy crap this is going to make my girlfriends day! Thanks!!

Mar 8, 2011. 6:51 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

Let me know what you end up doing with it. I am intereted to hear how this idea morphs!

Mar 7, 2011. 11:29 AMadamlee says:

you just revolutionized my child drum kit which for me used to be pots and pans

Mar 8, 2011. 6:49 PMadrumforeveryone (author) says:

I have hit, slammed and shaken just about anything I could get my hands on. This drum is fun. Hope you enjoy it.