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Drum Building Tutorial - Using the DF Bass/Tom T-Jig
Setting up drum shell holes using the Tom Tom/Bass Drum T-Jig and the Layout Mat
Drum Foundry Steps to Success
The DF Layout Mat has concentric circles from 4 inches in diameter to 24 inches in diameter. The circles are sized specifically for Keller shells, or other shells with an outside diameter of 1/8 inch undersize. Normally you would mark your lugs, grommet, and badge holes AFTER the shell is finished
and the bearing edges cut. We are using an unfinished shell for clarity. Make sure the space between the circle on the layout mat and the outside of the shell is equal all the way around.
We suggest that you place the outer veneer seam where it will be least likely seen. We are marking a 12" diameter, 6 lug drum, so we are putting the seam directly on the color coded green line. Place a strip of tape around the perimeter of the shell. Using the T-Jig, mark the lug spacing at the
color coded lines.
Draw perpendicular lines down the length of the shell with a fine point sharpie marker. You won't have to use any pressure to get a clean, crisp mark. This is especially important when you are marking over finishes. It is very important to use a tape that will not leave any residue and will be very easy to remove without damaging
the finish. "Painter's blue" tape works very well and is available everywhere paint is sold. We prefer 3M brand. Don't ruin your drum to save $1!
Here is an easy way to know what length tension rods you will be using. I have determined in advance I want to use 1 5/8" (42mm) tension rods. Set the T-Jig to zero at the drum edge. Place your lug on the shell so the distance between the edge of the drum and where the tension rod enters the lug
(not necessarily the edge of the lug) is the length of the tension rod. In this case it is 1 5/8 inches.
Being careful to keep the lug at the same distance from the edge of the shell, turn the lug on its side and set the T-Jig so the zero mark on the notched scale is even with the mounting hole closest to the edge of the drum.
The mounting hole spacing is 15/16", so mark the first hole at zero and the second at 15/16". Use this setting on the T-Jig at each lug location.
To mark the grommet, badge, or mount holes, use the same methods described in the Snare Drum T-Jig tutorial.
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