One of the biggest challenges in drum building is cutting bearing edges.

But the biggest mistake builders make (beginners mostly) is they don’t have or use a router table.

Unless you are a master craftsman (and even they are  making a mistake if they are not using a router table),  you must use a router table to cut your bearing edges.  Otherwise you are shooting in the dark, and risking
ruining an expense drum shell.

Here’s how to make a very simple, starter router table…

Get a flat, smooth table-like surface. Cut a hole in the center. Maybe a 2″ hole.

Get a router from Ebay or Home depot. If you have a used tool store near you, try that first.

Either clamp the router down with clamps on a couple of sawhorses, or build table legs, or build a solid platform to keep it stationary. You will be applying pressure, so you don’t want it moving around easily (the router can severely damage you and your woodwork).

Fasten your router securely underneath (where you put the hole for the router bit).

Walla! You have a workable router table.

As you build more drums, you’ll want to upgrade your router table.

In Drum Building Secrets, we include interviews with the top builders. One up-and-coming builder includes all kinds of great pictures, and drum building tips. He even revealed a few secrets about how he built his router table (and frankly, his router table is better than the best builders in the country. You’ll see.)