The first thing I need to find is a suitable piece of stick, preferably seasoned, but in this case I used a green stick. The problem with using green wood is the fluff that's left in the chamber when you drill it out. I'm sure that I can sort out the problem with a piece of hot wire later.
I carefully drilled out the chamber with an 8mm bit and followed it up with a 10mm. The diameter and length of the chamber dictates the pitch of the whistle...
Once I've finished drilling out the stick I need to measure with my finger where to place the Window and Lip...
About a thumbs width from the drilled end will suffice...
I start with a cut straight down...
And then a cut on the diagonal to meet it...
I keep going until I reach this point...
Now....Any amount of blowing at this point will only produce a red face. So I need to make the Fipple...
Don't laugh....That's what it's called.....
I quartered a short piece of stick and started whittling a dowel with a flat edge...
Here I am with work in progress...
I keep trying it for size as I go...
What I needed was an interference fit, somewhere between staying put and splitting the whistle was fine...
Push the Fipple in until it nearly reaches the window...
At this point I gave the whistle a few blasts just to check it was all hunky dory....
I used the flame of a lighter to singe away the furry bits....Next time I will use a seasoned stick...
When I was happy with the whole arrangement I cut of the tail end of the Fipple...
Now...The Fipple may stay put, but just to be on the safe side I would recommend making up some glue. Easily done with some Bear grease, pine resin and charcoal.
Now...In Devon we've got plenty of Manglewurzles but we're a bit short on Bears, so I would advise nipping off to the ironmongers and purchasing a wood glue of your choice, remembering that you will have to put the glued end in your mouth...
And there we are...One perfectly formed wooden whistle...
Well...Perfectly formed after a bit of carving anyway...
The International Mountain Distress Signal is 6 rapid signals (by whistle, torch, shout, etc.) repeated at one minute intervals until you are located.
Just in case my old mates come looking...
ENJOY...
