Laying out an Offset Lug Snare Drum
If you haven't read our tutorial on laying out a basic drum, you'll need to do that because we won't repeat some basics explained there.
The drum we are laying out below has a full 50% offset. When you do this type of drum, you'll need a small strainer that will fit in the space below the top lug. Plan ahead for the shell depth, type of lug, and type of strainer so that you have enough space to fit everything. The shell below is 6 inches deep by 13 inches diameter
and has 8 lugs top and bottom.
We have already cut the bearing edges and the snare bed on this shell. After taping around the top and bottom perimeter, secure the shell to the layout mat with the center of the snare bed directly above the center green line.
Mark only the bottom row of lug spacings at first.
Flip the drum over so the top bearing edge is against the table. Mask off and mark a line from the center of the snare bed (red arrow) to the other side of the shell. We will index the TOP row of lugs from the center of the snare bed. Notice that we have shifted the shell and
aligned that particular line with the red line on the layout mat (green arrow).
Now mark the remaining lugs of the top edge.
Tension Rod Length - The Eternal Question
We used 1 1/4" tension rods on this drum so there would be enough space for the strainer to fit below the lug that is directly above it. Place the lug so the end of the swivel nut is 1 1/4" from the edge of the drum.
Flip the lug on its side and mark the center of the mounting screw receiver. The green arrow is the end of the swivel nut, and the red arrow is where the receiver is.
Adjust the T-Jig ruler so the zero mark is aligned with the mounting screw receiver.
To finish marking the mounting holes, place a mark at zero and another at the mounting hole distance.
Finish marking out all holes for your strainer, butt, air grommet, badge and anything else before you start drilling. We also suggest checking for clearance between all the parts.
© 2006-2008 Drum Foundry LLC
