The Washtub

• 1). Bend the handles off the washtub using the pliers. These will rattle when you play and are not necessary.
  
  
• 2). Drill a hole in the exact center of the washtub. Make sure this hole is as close to the diameter of the eye bolts as possible.
  
  
• 3). Put a nut and then a washer onto one of the eye bolts.
  
  
• 4). Insert the eye bolt into the hole in the center of the washtub. Put a washer and a nut on the bottom of the bolt. Tighten these as much as possible with a wrench because all three strings will be attached to this.
  
  

The Pole

• 1). Cut the board to a length of 5 feet, using the saw. If you are very tall, you may want to keep the board 2 to 6 inches longer, to make playing more comfortable. You may also cut the board 2 to 6 inches shorter, if you are under 63 inches tall.
  
  
• 2). Drill three holes (one for each string) into the board. One hole should be toward the top; another a few inches down; and a third between the two.
  
  
• 3). Put one nut followed by one washer on the remaining three eye bolts, then insert them into the three holes on the board. Secure them, using the remaining three washers and nuts.
  
  
• 4). Cut a groove on the end of the board, on the opposite side that the eye bolts are secured to. This groove will grip the edge of the washtub and allow you to change the tension of the strings.
  
  

Attaching the Strings

• 1). Loop each steel cable around the eye bolt in the washtub. Secure the loop with a cable clamp.
  
  
• 2). Place the grooved side of the board against the rim of the washtub. Loop one cable around each of the three eye bolts attached to the board.
  
  
• 3). Put on the leather work gloves.
  
  
• 4). Stand on top of the washtub facing the board and pluck the steel cables. Push the board away from you to raise the pitch of the notes and pull it toward you to lower the pitch.