How to Build a Tin Banjo
- 1). Cut and mark an 8" notch along one long edge of the 2" x 4" beam, 6" in from one end. Cut out the notch with a jig saw and sand down the rough surface.
- 2). Locate the curving point on the notch you cut in the previous step. This should be approximately 7" in from one end. Place a ruler across the width of the beam, aligned with the notch, and mark a line across with a pencil. Cut a piece of lattice board 3" long. Place the lattice piece flat across the width of the 2" x 4" and align the top edge against the line you marked to serve as the banjo's nut. Secure in place with wood glue.
- 3). Insert a metal tuning peg into the notch opposite the end where you glued the lattice board nut. Insert four tuning pegs between the nut and the end of the board that is not notched. The pegs should be 2" in from the end and 1" apart, while the other pair should be 2" in from the nut and 1" apart.
- 4). Wind fret wire around each peg.
- 5). Cut a 3 1/2" x 1 1/2" slot into the side wall of the cookie tin with a metal saw. Insert the banjo neck through the hole and push against the opposite wall. Secure with screws.
- 6). Drill five evenly-spaced holes using a 3/32" bit through the bottom of the cookie tin to string the banjo wires through.
- 7). Mount a bridge on the bottom of the tin with a 3" piece of lattice board turned up on its thin side and attached to the tin with super glue. Create five notches in the top with a pocket knife to guide the banjo strings.
- 8). Run the wire through each bridge knot and thread through the corresponding holes in the cookie tin. Tie off inside the tin.
- 9). Place the lid on the cookie tin and strum your favorite tune.
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