How to make a bamboo wind chime

How to make a bamboo wind chime

Wind chimes are always a nice addition to any balcony, patio, window or outdoor seating area.  They add a touch of country class, and everyone loves the sweet, soothing sounds they make.  They can also let you know when a big storm might be approaching.

Many wind chimes are made from ceramic or metal tubing, but if you’re after a more natural look and a mellower tone, bamboo is one of the best materials to use.  And you can feel good that you’re using a sustainable resource to make your wind chimes.

To create a beautiful chime it only takes a few materials and some simple steps.  First find some bamboo.  You can purchase your bamboo at any plant store or possibly even a craft store.  You can also buy bamboo poles at any garden supply store.  If your bamboo is fresh you will have to let it dry out and harden.  This can take several weeks.

Once you have your bamboo, cut it into lengths with one end above the partition-like segment end, and the other below it, so you have an open tube to work with.  You will then need to split the hallow end of each piece.  This is best done using a sharp knife.  You’ll want to taper the cut at an angle to give you the best sounding chambers.

Next drill 1/8 inch holes just above the section on the solid end of each piece of bamboo.  You’ll want to make sure the holes are parallel to the sound chambers so when they’re hanging the sound chambers will be facing outward.

You will then need to get a round disc of wood or material of your choice about 7 times the diameter of your bamboo.  Drill holes around the circumference of the disk about ¾ of an inch from the edge.  Afterwards, thread some strong string or fishing wire through the holes on both the disk and the bamboo.

If you would like to have a second level to your wind chime create a smaller disk and again drill holes on its circumference to hang more bamboo poles.  You will need to drill a hole through the center of each disk so one can hang below the other.

Finally you can use a bamboo stick without any sound chamber in it to hang in the centre of the smaller disc. This will be the piece that will hit the chimes and cause them to make sound.  Make sure that it is hanging high enough so that when the wind blows it will strike the other chimes.

Finally find a good spot to hang your chime where it will be hit by the wind, but won’t get blown away.  You can secure it with an ‘S’ hook or even tie it off, but make sure you use a good knot.

Now you can have guest over for a sunny summer BBQ and both you and they will enjoy not only your green bamboo chimes, but your fun story on how to build one.