News  :  September 2000

Music and Musings from Jim ...

If you’ve seen TV commercials that have anything to do with Australia (Subaru Outback), you’ve no doubt heard a humming, buzzing sound in the background. This sound comes form an instrument called the dijeridoo.

A dijeridoo is a musical instrument used by the Aborigines during rituals as well as accompanying the singing and dancing at tribal gatherings. It has been in use for the past 1000 years. They are made from eucalyptus branches that have been hollowed out by termites, and are typically 3 to 5 feet long. The smaller end of the dijeridoo is covered in beeswax to get a good seal against your mouth. Sound is produced by vibrating your lips against the mouthpiece. The most experienced players can inhale through their nose and push out air stored in their cheeks so they can play continuously( a very difficult technique called circular breathing). Players can alter the sound with their lips, tongue and diaphragm pressure. The Aborigines tried to imitate the buzzing, growling, humming and croaking sounds of insects and animals using the dijeridoo.

I think the first time I saw one being played was in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” and I became very interested in it. So when Paul Fronhofer said he was going to Australia last year, I jokingly asked if he would pick up a dijeridoo for me. I was very surprised when he came back with one about three feet long and quite heavy. He had to wedge it diagonally in his suitcase and carry it all over Australia with him as he traveled. I thought that was extremely nice of him.

It is very relaxing playing this instrument, it’s kind of like meditating. If you want to know more about this instrument, just go to the internet and type in “dijeridoo.” There are hundreds of sites with sound clips, pictures and information.

12. Am I listening to my instructions or am I thinking about how I’m going to do it my way? Taking notes is a good way to focus your mind on the instructions being given.

11. Is my drill sharpened correctly? Many new drills have come with an incorrect angle ground on them.

10. Did I do a stock displacement? Don’t cut unless you know where it has to come off.

9. Have I laid out the material correctly? Use dykem and a scribe or wear out that black marker making ‘do not cross’ lines.

8. Are these thread wires the correct diameter? Trust me, these are the kind of habits that separate the hobbyists from the professionals.

7. Are these micrometers still measuring ‘on the money’? Micrometers with interchangeable anvils should always be checked against their standards.

6. Do I have the correct print revision? The correct place to find this information is on the Purchase Order.

5. Did I read the full measurement or is it possible I’m off twenty-five thousandths or even an inch? When you read your measuring instrument start with inches and work your way to tenths. Reading 15 on the barrel could be 1.015”, 1.065” or 0.990”.

4. Who is going to double check my program and part? Refer to Number 8’s explanation.

3. Is this drill the correct diameter or was it placed in the wrong bin? When you can identify all of the fractional, letter, and number drills at arms length call me. I’m still working on identifying my allen wrenches by the sound they make on the concrete floor.

2. How many indicators do I need on this part to be sure it hasn’t moved? When that mill snaps when you’re in the facilities you will know the four Teclocks and the black Magic Marker outline will give you a full report upon your return.

1. Am I doing it the way my foreman asked me to? If you do it his way and the job goes poorly you’re OK. If you do it his way and it goes smoothly your OK. If you do it your way and it goes well, you’re probably one less chamber away from finding the bullet. If you do it you’re way and you have to ask the foreman to ask the boss to have the inspector call the customer to approve the………… … Get the picture!!

By Leonard Fronhofer V— CNC Engineer

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Last modified: July 19, 2010