What Tools Do I Need To Build Drums?

It seems like I’ve gotten more emails than usual from people interested in building custom drums that just want to know what tools they will need to start building drums. To answer this question I will be writing a 2 part blog post. The first post will list and discuss the bare essentials for building custom drums, and the second post will list and discuss in more depth some of the drum building tools that you’ll need to have if you plan on building drums long term.

Here is the bare minimum that you will need to build your first drum:

• A Screwdriver

…That’s it. The only tool you need to build your first drum is a screwdriver. You may think I have fallen off of my rocker, but the very first drum set that I ever built was acomplished using only a screwdriver!

Here is the bottom line, there are drum supply companies out there that want nothing more than to get your business, in fact they want your business so much that if you buy all of your parts from them (drum shell, drum lugs, tension rods, hoops, lug screws, etc…) they will  drill the holes for all of your hardware, cut the bearing edges on your drums, and even cut your snare bed! They will then ship you the drum shell and your hardware and the only thing you have to do now is assemble the drum – that’s where your screwdriver comes in handy!

Now, I realize most people that want to build a “custom” drum don’t want a plain looking drum. There are steps in between getting your supplies in the mail and assembling the drum that can make your drums have a custom look to them, such as staining, painting and wrapping your drums. Those are the steps that truly make your drum “custom” and to customize your drums  you only need a few more tools/supplies.

To customize the look of your drums by applying a wood dye (stain) to the shell you’ll need:

• Wood Dye/Stain

• Strips cut from an old cotton t-shirt or sock

• Water

• Clear Gloss Spray

• Assorted Grit Sandpaper

For those of you who want to learn more about the correct staining and clear coating process for drums, you can sign up on the email list and I’ll send you some free information that comes straight from my eBook, or if you are ready to go even deeper into the art of drum building you can buy the eBook!

To customize the look of your drums by wrapping your drums you’ll need:

• Drum wrap

• Contact Cement – (and a paint brush)

• 100 Grit Sandpaper

• J-Roller (laminate roller)

Again, for those of you who want to learn the in’s and outs of wrapping a drum shell, you can sign up for the email list and I’ll send you a “How to Wrap Drums” tutorial totally free of charge!

So really, to get started in customizing your drums your only going to be out about $30 (not including the cost of drum parts). A small price to pay for the ultimate satisfaction of having a drum or drum set that is totally customized to your style! I’ll be posting a more in depth list of drum building tools soon! The next list will go into more detail of what I use on a day to day basis for building custom drums at P.Ellis Drums!

As always comments and questions are encouraged!