Building Cajónes with the Kids

Very cool. My wife is a music teacher and we were just talking the other day about me building one for her school. What did you use for the tapa? I’d like to make the rest of my box of solid wood, but I think a 1/8” solid wood tapa would last about 2 minutes in a high school.

-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.

That is a very cool project and I’m sure the kiddos luved it.

-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Keep your dust collector fed. [email protected]

@BinghamtonEd – I just used some 1/8” birch ply from the big orange box. I considered using solid wood as well, but didn’t want to have to run the planer/drum sander in the shop with all the kids there…way too dusty, noisy, and dangerous in my small shop. They sound fine, I’m sure it would work for a high school.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

To funny Pat just made one for a college student majoring in music and one for myself. I know the kids are going to have a blast playing! Next on your list are a set of noise cancellation head phone, ha. Enjoy!

@Wilson – Neat! I’d love to see some pics…I assume yours were solid hardwood and more detailed than ours.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

Great job Dad! Creating memories with your kids is one of the best ‘projects’ any Dad can work on. Made one for my son a couple years ago as well.

-- Rick - I know I am not perfect, but I will keep pressing on toward the goal of becoming all I am called to be.

Thanks, Rick! I agree.
I’m probably most proud of the way they behaved while I was planning (no pre-design for this one) and cutting.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

Way kewl, i’m sure the kids will enjoy them forever. These are on my next drum bucket list woot woot

-- Wood and Glass they kick (well you know) Have a great day - Dug

Just a thought as I have looked at building a couple for some friends in the fingerlakes, you might want to pull out the screws in the upper corners. It gives a nicer slap.

Nice build though. Its great to get the kids involved

Great fun! Makes me wish my kids were that age again.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Thanks all!
@toolanimal – yeah, I’ve read that and left the corner screws somewhat loose. We’re still experimenting with different types of snares, etc. to see what makes the coolest sounds.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

Looks like the kids are having a ball. Great work Patrick.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python