So you want to build a steelpan, eh?
This is good, because there is currently a critical shortage of steelpan builders and tuners.
Over the past decade, and more and more over the past 4 or 5 years, I've shared my understanding of the science of pan with more than a few people.
This is not as difficult of a job as some are keen to make out. While it's true that trying to tune a badly built pan is very difficult/nigh impossible, well constructed instruments follow a fairly simple, consistent - and thus teachable -tuning system.
Visitors to Pantuner
My approach to this is to make sure that beginners start off by using modern techniques, measuring systems, and repeatable & teachable methodologies to give them the best chance of success from the get-go. There is no component of this that uses a TLAR system - measurement is the key to repeatability and success. Having built a pan properly, students find the tuning very achievable and systematic.
If you're serious about trying your hand at this, please contact me. Regrettably, if your interest is simply one of "This would be a cool thing to do over the summer", at this time I'm going to ask you to leave the limited time I have available to teach open for individuals who are intent on doing this as a career. If you're not seriously considering investing around $ 6K - $10K on tools and a workshop, this probably is not for you.
Courses run $ 2500/per block for intense, one-on-one instruction. Most people have been able to build and tune a pan in about six to ten 10-hour days.