Introduction: Karate Kid Spinning Drum

So maybe I can't catch a fly with chopsticks, but here's an instructable for you to make your own spinning drum, just like the one Miyagi-san gives to Daniel-san in The Karate Kid II. OK, maybe not JUST like it, but pretty close and just as much fun to use.

Step 1: What You Will Need

1. Cardboard mailing tube, 3" in diameter (not pictured)
2. Manila file folder
3. 1/4" diameter wooden dowel, 12" long
4. 14 inches of cording - I used a shoelace
5. Two beads, approximately 5/8" with a hole big enough for the cording
6. 3/4" wide electrical or vinyl tape
7. Doublestick tape
8. A pushpin
9. A stick ballpoint pen
10. A tape measure
11. A serrated knife
12. Scissors (not pictured)

Step 2: Creating the Drum Frame

1. Measure and draw a line 1 3/4" down from one end of the mailing tube. Use the pushpin to make a starting hole on the line and then use the serrated knife (very carefully) to cut off the end of the tube.

2. Insert the pushpin into the tube at a point halfway between both edges. Then measure around the tube and punch three more holes, the first at a distance of 2 1/2" from the first hole, the next at a distance of 5" from the first hole, and the last at a distance of 7 1/2" from the first hole.

3. Use the ballpoint pen to enlarge the holes slightly.

Step 3: Creating the Drum Heads

1. Trace the drum frame from the previous step onto the manila folder.

2. Draw around the traced circle to create an outer circle 1/2" larger than the traced one.

3. Using the illustration as a guide, mark notches between the inner and outer circles. (The more notches you mark, the rounder your drum head will be.)

4. Fold the manila folder under the traced circle and cut out two notched circles.

Step 4: Adding the Beaters and Handle

1. Cut the cord in half.

2. On the drum frame, use the ballpoint pen to enlarge two holes opposite each other just enough so that you can thread each cord through a hole.

3. Tie and overhand knot on the end of the cord which is INSIDE the drum frame. Pull the cords tight, leaving the knots snugly against the inside of the frame.

4. String a bead onto each cord and tie TWO overhand knots approximately 2" from the drum frame. Trim off any excess cord.

5. Use the ballpoint pen to enlarge the other two holes enough to insert the dowel.

Step 5: Assembling the Drum

1. Run two lines of doublestick tape around the circumferences of the drum frame, flush to the outer edges of the frame.

2. Center a drum head over the drum frame and press the notches down firmly onto the doublestick tape.

3. Repeat for the other side.

4. Take the electrical tape and wrap the circumferences of the drum to hide the notches and doublestick tape. Keep the tape even with the edge of the drum frame.

Step 6: It's Show Time!

Hold the handle in one hand and shake the drum rapidly back and forth so that the totating beaters swing and hit the drumheads. If you like, you can accompany your drumming with a rhythmic chant of "Wax on, wax off!"