About the Shakuhachi
The shakuhachi is a Japanese bamboo flute blown down the end, across a sharp edge cut into the top (the utaguchi). This printed version has a tapered bore, split into two or four parts so it fits more printers. The designer made it a few millimetres longer than the source drawing, because printing it to the drawing came out slightly sharp of concert D. The blowing edge is cut at 30 degrees, following other build guides.
The designer's write-up is long and practical, and boils down to two essentials: seal the joints between the pieces completely, and make the top edge sharp enough to sound when you blow into it at an angle. It also covers printing a quick joint test by sinking most of the model below the bed, plating the tenons upwards, and cleaning the support out of the inside for a tight fit. Printed in bamboo-fill PLA, it needs extra heat and good ventilation, and finishing it is more like woodworking than plastic work.
Who it's for. Patient makers and curious flute players. Be ready to sand and seal. Its modest Printables rating likely reflects how much finishing it needs ?.
What you'll need
Printed parts
- Flute in 2 or 4 parts
Bought parts
- Glue or sealant for the joints
Tools
- Files, sandpaper and scrapers for the joints and blowing edge
Build overview
Print settings
- Material: Bamboo- or wood-fill PLA (hotter than normal PLA; ventilate)
- Orientation: Tenons facing up
- Supports: 15%, no interface; scrape the inside clean
- Infill: About 10% cubic
- Fit: Test-print just the joints first