Introduction: A Kazoo From a Glass Bottle
Supplies Needed
Some very cold water
A lighter and candle
some metal or plastic caps
wax paper
super glue
hot glue
Tools Needed
drill with a drillbit set
glass scorer
electric sander
Hear it!
Step 1: Scoring the Glass.
Okay so first we need to score the neck so we can take it off the bottle. The technique i used for scoring the neck is by putting the bottle in a corner and rotating it while holding the scorer firmly against the desired breaking point on the neck. Make sure you get a very good score on the neck to keep the break point from wandering.
WARNING!
Please wear safety gloves and glasses while preforming this stunt.
Step 2: Breaking the Bottle.
STOP! before you go and whack the bottle on the ground how about you try a easier and safer method. If you've ever taken a hot glass or plate and tried to cool it down by putting nice cold water on it you probably have done this step on accident to an unlucky piece of table wear. This technique we'll be using is very easy and much safer than breaking the bottle on the pavement.
To do this we will use a lit candle and a tallish glass of icy saltwater (you dont have to have the salt but it does make it faster). Basically we are going to heat and cool the scored part of the bottle simultaneously until i breaks. So first take the bottle and rotate the scored neck above the flame for a minute or so then dunk the bottle neck first in the water making sure the heated part gets covered. then do it again if it didnt break at first......Heat, Cool, Crack, repeat until desired breakage.\
After breaking the piece off it will have a sharp edge make sure you sand that down with a sander or just some sand paper.
Just dont cut yourself. im looking at you emo kid >.>
Step 3: Prepping the End Cap.
Next we need to choose a cap and get it fitted and ready for Kazooing.
For me i actually chose a wheel like thing from an old cassette player instead of a cap because it had the cool steampunk look i wanted. After you choose the end cap for you baby you need to drill at least one hole for air to pass through. You also need to make sure it fits nice and snug so you can attach it with out gluing it to the bottle. If its not snug you can make a ring of glue around the end of the bottles neck until it fits well.
Now take the wax paper and trace a circle on it the size of the cap and cut it out. Once the paper is in the cap take a pen or something and make a hole in the wax paper through the cap so air can escape when you blow in it.
Step 4: Putting It All Together!
Now that we have taken the bottle and separated the neck using the elements of fire and water. then recycled an unused cap of some sort and cut a piece of wax paper the perfect size. We can now finish this baby and start rocking out!
Just take the cap with the wax paper in it and slide it on. After that you might want to play around with how much the cap is on the end this can change how the kazoo sounds.
Step 5: Now Rock Out!
Now GO! Put you lips on the open end and hum/blow like if it was a kazoo you bought. This instrument will not only entertain and impress your friends but i can also so attract as well as woo you some mighty fine lady friends too...or dude friends if your into that.
I like playing my ukulele or guitar and instead of singing the lyrics with a lame voice i hum the song with my kazoo.
I expect you to use this glorious instrument of triumph for good.
-James
Participated in the
Green Living & Technology Challenge
Be the First to Share
Recommendations
For the Home Contest
Game Design: Student Design Challenge
Make It Bridge
15 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
What did you use for the end bit? In trying to replicate this and can't seem to figure out what you used. I see a bottle cap but I like the item used in step three: prepping the end cap.
Any info would help! Thanks!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Hey I am so glad you're making one! I used the volume wheel from an old toy cassette play I had as a kid. It wasnt this exact brand but it was like this one(http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00MveQqIrsZthy/...
Honestly its just a matter of luck and finding the perfect piece for the look you want. Thanks for the feedback!
-James
11 years ago on Introduction
that awesome man :)
11 years ago on Introduction
Really nice looking.
interesting bowed string sound on the vid. You can get other instrument sounds by singing different syllables into it.
You can find other people who share your interest in the kazoo at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kazooz/
There are a number of different types of kazoos to see and make in the photos, files and links sections there.
Also 61 kazoo patents in the files section.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
thanks Awesome ill check it out! thanks again
11 years ago on Introduction
Awesome, and I love the video!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
thanks
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Sure!
11 years ago on Introduction
I agrre with Kiteman, want to hear it.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
i just added the video check it out! :D
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It is OK, Thanks, James.
11 years ago on Introduction
yeah im working on getting my mic to pick up the treble from it but i think the mic is trying to cancel out the trebel
11 years ago on Introduction
We need to hear it!
It would also be a good idea to use a photo of the finished kazoo for the Introduction image.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
thanks will do. by the way any constructive criticism is appreciated because this was my first instructable.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
The only major issue is the focus of some of the images - for your next project, take lots more photos, watch the focus, use macro if you can, but just use the photos you like from the many you take.