Just wondering if there’s any other would-be whistle makers (or pro whistle makers for that matter) out here. I’ve been trying fer sometime to make my own whistle, main problem has been finding the right materials, but I’m also stuck on deciding how to create the fipple, the only fipple design I found doesn’t look particularly attractive to me. I’m also wondering if I should go for a two piece whistle or do one piece (fipple built into the length of pipe).
Any advice is always welcome 
I made a whistle from PVC hose. Worked quite good, for the first try. 
It’s fun to be able to roll up your whistle.
Never tried to make a “real” one, though. Maybe one day I’ll make one from wood, right after a set of simple smallpipes.
Edit: the following links might help you:
http://www.tinwhistles.us/experiem.htm
http://science.univr.it/goccia/whistle/
http://www.dougsparling.com/irishmusic/whistle/whistlemake/
http://www.cwo.com/~ph_kosel/flutomat.html
Have fun!
Howdy,
There are many fine whistle makers that frequent this board, and much great advice has already been given. I would encourage you to use the search function to get you started.
Best,
Dave
Thanks for the help
Stick with the idea of a hose whistle Gabriel 
sounds like a grand idea
That stuff doesn’t resonate. Result is a very breathy, quiet and flat tone…might be nice for practise purpose though.
I made one at work with a cheap Bic pen (the kind with the white plastic body).
After removing the ink cartridge I cut a small fipple on the tail end and placed the cap on the end. (the cap already has holes in the end so no modification was needed) Next I melted finger holes using a lighter and a paper clip (4on front, 2 in back)
The low note was around Eb and it only played without the ink and the cartridge’s collar, But I have been able to get at least one tune out of it.
Otherwise, no.
I think it would have made a better taber pipe.
I’ve started getting pretty serious about it, I like to build with PVC pipe. The fipple is my problem too as I am currently using some poor quality dowel rod, but Paul Busman told me of a good place to get acetal. I’m sure will help to some extent. Good luck with you building!
Make it two piece. The head is the toughest part to get right so if you make a really nice one you can use it on different bodies as you experiment with finger hole size and placement.
This would also allow tuning, right?
I’m another PVC whistle maker.
I got my directions from
Guido Gonzato’s Site.
My main reason for making my own is for making quiet whistles so they don’t disturb my family, or make too much of a racket when I’m in the park. You can make them louder, but by and large they are too quiet for sessions. If there is a box player you’ll be drowned out.
Have you tried Kim Fulton Bennett’s site?
Yes. In fact, it’s a good idea to make the whistle a tad sharp so you can pull the head out a bit to bring it into tune. If you ever have to play with a non-tuneable instrument which is sharp (eg a piano) you might be OK then.
I started out making PVC flutes ala Doug Tipple almost a year ago.
His numbers and photos on his website really helped a lot.
Ive built a bunch of both six hole and eight hole.
About 20 so far. (its been slow going, but I made up for it reciently 
)
Many of them non tunable as I was just messing with the tone holes.
I found Flutomat and TWcalc are really great to see how things are interelated (bore, chimney, length, hole size to placement)
I think I have got a begining handle on the basics for cylindrical bore… the VERY basics.
Like how to make and use a zero rake bit as to not impale yourself,
loved ones, pets and nextdoor neighbors when the drill bites hard
and turns your nascent flute into a javelin! 
Always wear eye protection and dust mask BTW!
When I started messing with embouchure cuts it dawned on me that
I was being really stupid. I had a few pipes that I didn’t care for
the mouth but liked the tone holes. (o.k… many I didn’t care for completely. )
I measured off one and cut off its head!
Added a joint couple and made a few different head joints.
Experiments at a few pennies a pop.
I then my second “Why the heck didn’t I think of this before”
I made a few fipples with hardwood plugs and voila!
Instant low D.
I have a feeling there is another affliction similar to WHoA.
It is related Im sure.
I had to buy Doug’s “bells and whistles” D just to see what I was missing out on.
Well.. lets just say mine are different…
and I’m playing his constantly. 
I gotta get me a lathe!
And more flutes…
And more whistles…
Thanks for all the info folks, its nice to know I’m not the only one who struggles
I make little fifes and quenas (notch-flutes) out of PVC. Made a low D/Eb flute once, too- need to make more of those. It wasn’t very good. Whistles I’ve tried before, never really did too well. I could never get it to sound (but I wasn’t trying too elaboratelu- I basically sanded off a cork, cut a hole, sanded a windway, stuck 'em together, and blew).
If you have a two piece like a generation, have you tryied making a head for an existing body or vice versa? I’ve been thinking of doing that to a generation whistle I own. (granted I want it to have a fife head and it is in the key of g).
I’ve made a whistle or two…it’s fun and educational. Copper polishes nicely but is a bear to drill…but a 10’ length is about 6 bucks. PVC or CPVC works nicely and is cheap.
Dave
I wish you were stll making whistles, Dave. About the time I decide I can afford a Parkhurst I hear you’re not making any more … 
Another way to ask your question, Gavin might be “Who hasn’t tried to make a whistle?” 
I’ve made a couple from PVC and delrin that are fairly decent. Give your favorite whistles a good examination. Figure out how they were made and what you can duplicate with the tools you have.
And if all else fails, places like The Whistle Shop, here in the USA, sells mouthpiecesto fit on your pipe.
Good luck!
Judy
Yes, I saw there are a few places you can buy fipples, I’m very tempted…but at the same time I’d like to try figure out a way to make my own, who knows it might sound magical (by mistake of course ) My main problem at the moment is just finding piping with a thin enough wall…everything I tried is too thick and thus too difficult to work (working with copper tubing) But I’m nothing if not persistant
I have a Parkhurst I got through trading, and was going to review for my website. But if Dave’s not making them any more, perhaps I should just let it go to someone who really would like to keep it.
It’s a nice whistle, in D…if someone really wanted it, I’m sure I could be persuaded to be reasonable about what I let it go for