Home >> Toys >> Other Toys

Homemade Conga Drums

Conga drums originated in Africa and are used widely in various types of ethnic music. They have their own distinct sound and create a wonderful beat for songs and chants. Although purchasing a conga drum can be quite expensive, you can make your own that will sound just as good.

Choose Your Method
- There are two main ways of creating a conga drum. The simpler way uses a type of tubing or vase with a covering over it. This method takes less time and no woodworking. The second method makes a sturdier conga drum but takes work and construction. Once you have chosen your method you are ready to start.
Simple Conga
- Place the object that you will be using as your drum on the floor. This item can be a sturdy flower pot, a strong cardboard tube, a roll of carpet, or various other objects. This object must be able to fit an embroidery hoop around the top without the hoop slipping.
  
  Flatten out a beach ball or similar type of material and trace the top of the hoop, adding an extra inch all the way around. Make sure the part you cut doesn't include the air valve. Cut the pattern out. This material will be the skin for the drum's top Fit the material over the smaller part of the hoop with a little bit of give, and slip the other part of the hoop on over it, making the material tight. Apply strong glue to the sides of the body of the drum and place the hoop over the drum. Let the glue dry before trying it, and tap on it lightly at first to make sure it is stable.
Wooden Conga
- Take four pieces of plywood measuring 11 inches at one end and 8.5 inches at the other. They should each be 28 inches in length. Nail one panel to another creating an L shape. Nail a 2 inch by 2 inch piece of wood to each corner as braces. Nail the other pieces of wood to the joined pieces, creating a box. Add braces to these last two pieces. Cut two pieces of wood to fit into the top and bottom. Cut a circle from the center of both of these pieces. Use strong glue to place them approximately 7 inches from the top and bottom of the inside of the drum. Nail bracing bars at the thinner end of the drum.
  
  Cut a piece of plywood 8 inches by 8 inches to cover the bottom and nail it into place. Cut another piece measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, smooth down the edges, and attach it using strong glue. Place a heavy object on top and let it sit overnight. Fill out any uneven spots with filler and paint the drum.

Other Toys