Cutting Quik-Tubes® for Tubano Drum Kits

The Tubano BASIC Drum Kits have been designed to be used with a Quik-Tube® concrete-post form, which can be found at your local Lowe's, Home Depot, or home renovation store. The tubes come in a 4' length, so you can make two 18" drums, each with a stiffener insert, from one tube. After much experimentation, the Rhythmic Connections team has found that the Quik-Tube® provides a much better tonal quality to the finished drum over the Sonotube®.

A table saw is recommended for obtaining a clean cut on the tubes. However, a table saw should ONLY be used by, or under the supervision of, someone experienced in the safe and proper operation of  the machinery.

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To Jig or Not to Jig:
If you are only making a few drums, a jig might not be necessary for assisting in cutting the Quik-Tubes®. However, if you are embarking on a multi drum-making project, a jig can be easily built out of 8 casters, a couple pieces of scrap wood, screws, nuts, and washers.

Wheel Placement :

• Attach left row wheels. Lock wheels in place facing the inside of the jig (a non-swivel caster could be used here)
• Attach right row wheels, allowing caster to swivel. Lock wheels to the inside for 8" tubes, and lock wheels  swiveled towards the outside, allowing a larger cradle, for the 10" and 12" tubes.​

Approximate Dimensions - 32" x 14"

8" tubes (wheels facing inwards)

10" & 12" tubes (facing same direction)

Locking the caster in place

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Tubano Cutting Pattern:

1. Cut two (2) 19" drum bases from each side of Quik-Tube®
2. Using the remaining piece, cut in half, making two (2) stiffener inserts.

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Set the Fence and Cut:

1. Set the fence so it is 19" from the blade.
2. Start saw (and optional dust collector)
3. Carefully lay tube on jig, with tube end flush against fence
4. Gently start rolling tube on the wheels until completely cut through
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4, cutting from the other end of the tube
6. Position remaining 10" piece evenly divided on the blade, and roll to cut the two stiffener inserts

Set fence 19" from blade

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Check out the Video:

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Cutting & Inserting the Stiffener:
The stiffener is inserted in the top of the drum base, and is used to keep the top circular, so it doesn't squeeze into an oval, while attaching the Special Drum Head Material.

1. Using the table saw, carefully slit open stiffener ring.
2. Fit the stiffener inside of the drum body, keeping it even with the top, trimming the excess stiffener as needed, for a tight internal fit.
3. Remove the stiffener from drum body and apply white glue to the outside, and to the inside of the drum body where the stiffener will fit.
4. Reassemble stiffener inside drum body, pressing firmly. Allow time to dry.​ ​

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Finishing the Drum Base:
It is important when applying the Special Drum Head Material that the top edge of the drum has a clean, smooth finish

1. Allow stiffener sufficient time to dry
2. Reset fencing on table saw to 18"
3. Trim an inch off the top of the drum (drum base and stiffener) 
4. Now you're ready to attach the drum head
   

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Ordering Drum Kits:

• Tubano BASIC Drum Kits are designed for the "do-it-yourselfer" type of person, as you will need to purchase and cut your own tubes.
• Tubano DELUXE Drum Kits include the tubes already pre-cut, with the stiffener inserted, as well as everything you get in a BASIC kit.​

Click HERE for information on ordering Tubano Drum Kits

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Serious injuries can occur if table saw operators are inexperienced, improperly trained or the blade is not properly guarded. According to estimates made by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 50,000 power saw injuries occur in the United States each year. Table saw injuries can be prevented by using properly guarded saws, following manufacturers' recommended safety practices and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.  (Employer's Mutual Casualty Company, www.emcins.com)