Osage Roost

Callmakers Corner => Callmakers Workbench => Topic started by: Mike Sawdust on July 21, 2016, 05:30:55 PM

Title: New Call Maker
Post by: Mike Sawdust on July 21, 2016, 05:30:55 PM

Hi, I am not a hunter and I have never made any sort of call before.  I am a hobbyist woodturner.

A friend who is a hunter and has done many favors for me mentioned something about turning a turkey pot call and said I should give it a try.  I think he would like it if I turned a call or two for him and I am planning to do just that.

I have found some basic tutorials on how to turn pot calls and I think I can do it.

However I have questions that I have not been able to find answers for:

For instance, do you finish the inside and outside of a call?

Is a shiny finish preferred or something more along a satin finish?

I have various hardwoods from which I plan to turn some calls- cocobolo, bocote, walnut, cherry, fiddleback maple, birdseye maple, ambrosia maple, teak, and some other exotics I have in my inventory.  Are there woods that should be avoided?

Any pitfalls of turning a pot call of which I should be aware?

Same goes for strikers- I have lots of different woods and I know from reading that the last inch or so should be left unfinished.  Any other dos or don'ts that I should be on the lookout for?

Thanks for any help you can provide.  I know nothing and I am not afraid to admit it so set me straight.

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: Nsselle on July 21, 2016, 06:22:21 PM

Welcome! You should have no problem getting a little advice to get you started in the right direction

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: Shadetree Callers on July 22, 2016, 09:17:21 AM

Mike , do not finish the inside of the call . all of those woods will work good . avoid soft woods . The finish is personal preference of the hunter. Just be careful , sometimes they fly apart on the lathe .

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: Mmcdonald on July 22, 2016, 03:29:49 PM

 *welcome*

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: B-Ready on July 22, 2016, 07:46:28 PM

The internals are a very important.... Strikers make a big difference also... Good luck making your calls... Please post your results when completed. We'd love to see them!

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: Mike Sawdust on July 23, 2016, 11:19:22 AM

Thank you for the advice guys.  After seeing some of the beautiful calls on here I know I have my work cut out for me if I am to post anything comparable. 

I am looking forward to the new adventure in turning.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: New Call Maker
Post by: GR8CALLS on July 23, 2016, 12:03:40 PM

 There is a bunch to consider. Weight of pot, thickness of pot bottom,  height of sound board, whether to weight the surface down or float it in.....just to name a few. Then as mentioned, striker materials. I'm just learning all this myself (almost a year)!  *wha* *wha* *cheers* *cheers*

Bill