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Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making 1/2" round nose scraper and a 1/8" round nose scraper... everything else on my tool bench is just for show...  ;D
or special occasions on wierd material or shapes.
Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "Interesting.  I dont use a scraper at all.  My main tool is a shallow 1/4" gouge.  I also use a small skew and a spear point.

My favorite tool?  There was some discussion a while back about using an open end wrench for getting the insert to the correct size.  I took that discussion to heart and have sharpened up a 5/8" open end wrench and actually use it as a turning tool - not just a sizing tool.  I also use a larger wrench to cut the tenon for the brass band on the barrel.

This idea has really saved a lot of time.   The old way was to turn to approximate size - check for fit, turn some more - check for fit...on and on ad nauseum." Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "Jason, you have any pics of what your "tool" looks like?  I have not been able to veiw the movie file that was on, and have no idea how the wrench is used or sharpened.  Can you enlighten this dumb greenie (er Colorado native)?

Wade
" Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "It's pretty simple.

I turn the insert down so that it is slightly oversized.  No measuring is needed here, just eyeball it and don't go too far.

The wrench is a 5/8" open end wrench straight out of the toolbox.  I ground the inside of o" Jason Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "You my friend have too much time on your hands to do an ascii drawing...  ;D

That is what I was envisioning in my mind but was not about to go ruin a 5/8 wrench to find out, so I wanted to be sure.

Thanks a ton!!
Ive been using my metal lathe to get 5/8 and then chucking the 5/8 portion in a drill chuck on the wood lathe and turning the visible side like that, and then drill it.  After that I use a dead center on the head stock in the bored hole and the tailstock live center where the live center from the metal lathe was and sand er smooth....  Ah life in a complicated world!!  
Thanks for the info!!
ill give it a try for the next time my metal lathe is broken and its 3-6 weeks for the parts..... (on week 2 today)

Wade
" Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "Just ordered a chisle set with a 1/4 inch round nose scraper, can't wait for it to get here. Wade where did you score a 1/8 inch one, I couldn't seem to find one. I love the scraper for both removing wood and shaping. I also took to heart the 5/8 box wrench method it works great, I sharpened both sides, actually ground them so that open ends are 90 degrees. I then slide that back and forth taking the material down until it fits into the wrench. I could'nt get the video to load either so what i'm doing is probably wrong but it still works nicely." Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "I made mine from a square file, and just ground it down on the grinder.  Most of my odd ball tools are made from files.  I have one that is about .050" wide for cutting down in areas with little excess and for working the mouth side of a barrel. Build what you need has always been my motto.  ;-)

Wade
" Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "Made a lot of my turning tools, eps scapers out of old planner blades. I have a good supply of old planner blades and could trade or sell anyone some if they need any.  You can get three to four tools minimum from each blade.  I shape them on a grinder with a soft(white) stone and keep them cool. You are only limited by you imagination.

DucterJim" Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making "I don't think Rick was actually cutting with his wrench on the video, but I bet he would if somebody showed him a "modified" version. He used it to check size. I've rounded the bottom side of this wrench, but I'll have to try BBBGoose's idea of grinding both side sharp. I back my tool rest away from the insert about 2" using this tool. TIP - Use firm grip.
[img]http://link.freepichosting.com/image.cgi/18921/0.jpg?x=600&y=400[/img]
" Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making Thanks for the pic Flatlander.  That's what mine looks like too.  
The photo is a little better than my ascii art  ;) Re: Whats your favorite lathe tool for call making Great info!! Thanks guys!!!
Wade
Runout...? "It sure is sad when a feller buys a mickey mouse drill press, figures out it's to small, sells it, goes and buys a bigger mickey mouse drill press, and drills at least two dozen barrel blanks before he figures out why his 5/8" bits are all drilling 11/16" holes. So now he sits in disgust and ponders why he now has to buy a REAL chuck, (which will cost almost as much as his new mickey mouse drill press), all so he can drill an accurate hole, which is why he bought a friggin' drill press to start with. There oughta be a law against selling junk to unsuspecting idiots like me... >:( who ever heard of chuck runout, anyway..." flatlander Re: Runout...? What is the brand name of a decent drill press. I'm looking for one. ??? Re: Runout...? "Flatlander, it doesn't sound like you're shopping at the right places!

My drill press was given to me by my father.  It is branded ACE (from ACE hardware) though I'm sure it was made by another company.  It is really too small for what I need to do with it, but I make it work with a little improvisation.  It does drill straight holes though.  

Have you checked that the pulleys are tight?  You shouldn't be able to wiggle the chuck much at all.  Sometimes the pulleys (the ones above the chuck) get loose, and you get play in the chuck.

You could just make a new mandrel sized to fit your new overbores.  It might be cheaper to work around the flaws than to have the perfect setup.

Ahh, who am I kidding?  We're all after the perfect setup.  :P

" Re: Runout...? "Might keep in mind that it couls also be your drill bit, or at least accentuated by your drill bit.  You might check that out.
Good luck
Wade
" Toxic Hardwoods "I was just talking to a guy today and he told me that some hardwoods can be toxic and give you lung problems. He mentioned something about cocobola, hedge and african blackwood. Is this true? Does anyone have any info on this or was this guy just feeding me a line of BS. I was thinking of getting into some wood calls but not if it is toxic." Re: Toxic Hardwoods I don't know about them being toxic. Lately though when I turn Cocobolo or Bocote it looks like I got into poison ivy. I know other callmakers run into the same thing. I may have to stop turning Cocobolo if it keeps up. African Blackwood doesn't hurt me. So my guess is he meant was you could have a reaction to the oils in the wood. Re: Toxic Hardwoods He was talking more about lung problems. Re: Toxic Hardwoods Here are some links to info on wood toxicity.....


http://www.city-net.com/albertfp/toxic.htm

http://www.womeninwoodworking.com/startingarchive/startingpoints8.cfm

http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/wood2.html

Re: Toxic Hardwoods "Most of the problems stem from an allergy, either immediate or after prolonged exposure.
Cocabolo is thought to be carcinogenic, though i have no proof.  I always use a dust mask, no matter what wood.
I think it is more the dust particles that cause the most problems rather than the type of dust. (in most cases).
All in all, heavy dust intake is bad for your lungs irrelevant, so wood dust is no exception.  Keep it safe, wear protection.....  er....  something.  We dont need anyone dying from lung problems or any wierd wood blanks getting pregnant. ;D

Wade
" Re: Toxic Hardwoods I have contact dermititis on my right wrist from turning a new wood called Cochan Rosewood. A cortizone cream applied 4 times a day is the medical remedy. Which by the way can be bought over the counter. I won't be turning it again anytime soon. And I second wearing a mask for all turnings it could get ugly if your airway sweels shut in an allergic response. Keep Benedryl on hand in case of allergic response. Re: Toxic Hardwoods "One thing I have heard about the reactions... usually if you have a reaction.... its a tough one.  Like Cocabolo, Ive heard that if you are allergic to you, it turns into a life/death issue, not just unpleasantness.  But that could just be a wives tale, but never want to find out the hard way.

Wade" Opinions on Jig Idea Been lurking here awhile and appears to be a great site. I have been making call for about 20 years and have a new idea (to me) for a jig for soundboards.  Have any of you ever used or seen a jig set up to use with a router with a guide bearing to turn out exact copies.  I do a lot of other woodworking and seem to be able to make exact copies for inlays etc using this method. I hope you can uderstand what I am thinking of trying.  Words sometime don't work the way I want them. I would like your input before I spend the $$$ on a new jig. Re: Opinions on Jig Idea Ive been working on that design myself.  My machinist that is helping me do the regualr jig fixturers for WEBFoot is a good guy and I have been mulling over a design in my head using a router or rotary saw with non cutting guide edges.  The big Re: Opinions on Jig Idea "Wade,

Thanks for the great info. I think you confirmed my concerns knew we wasn't going to be easy. I think I will go back a step or two and just find a way to make a jig that with cut the flat and radius of a predrilled and turned toneboard.  I would like to use "HMW" plastic for inserst I really like most of the calls I have make out of it.  Its ugly and nothing will stick to it, so no brass bands etc.  But it turns easily, sounds great, more like wood, and is stable as it gets.  Best part it not to expensive.  So I would like to get the good stuff out of it for soundboards (reed assemblies) and still use all those pretty woods.  If I have some luck with Jig I will let you know. Keep me posted on your prototype.
Thanks
DuckterJim" Re: Opinions on Jig Idea One other option is to partner with a machinest like I did. I haven't had so many custom made tools etc since I started. We are going to CNC the acrylics but I will continue to do the customs by hand. We have experimented with 10 jigs in as many months. It sure makes it handy to be able to try something new. We now have 2 hardened jigs to our specs. We have a copy of my old hunting call jig thats been tweeked a little and then we have the Comp call jig. I know everyone can't do this but it has sure helped me. He also blows my comp calls and is trying to get me to. I told him I will build the race car and he can drive it. Re: Opinions on Jig Idea "Wow, a competition calling machinist partner.  Couldn't ask for anything more." Re: Opinions on Jig Idea "Just to let you guys know, I should have custom jigs and "public use" jigs ready for selling here shortly.  Using a custom soundboard measuring fixture, CNC equipment, some fancy hi-tech software and some beautifully hardened tool steel; th" Re: Opinions on Jig Idea "Heads up:
I have the process almost ready to begin for other people for making jigs.  I dont have the public offereing designed yet, but will hopefully have it done soon.
Its looking like 2-3weeks turnaround, and should be a perfect match to your call that is sent in as the template.  Let me know if you want more info.  I will likely start taking "template kegs" in the next week or so.
Wade" new for me I HAVE BEEN TINKERING WITH A THREAD TOGETHER VS. THE WEDGE TOGETHER IDEA ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS. Re: new for me "If both pieces are wood, they will likely swell and get bound together when they are wet.  If one side os plastic the issue will be much less.  Sealing may be harded unless the tolerances are held tighter, may need to go to an o-ring or something to take some slack.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Wade
" Re: new for me I have had the same thought but never got it done. I was going to use brass or aluminium tubing with male threads use it to hold reed assembley and a larger tube with female thread to screw into. Actually I was thinking I could use the standard banded call but the band would be the females end. Hope you can make it work and let me know how you conquer the problem. Metal to metal should take care of swelling problem Wade mentioned. Should be the ideal way to hold calls together. Good luck keep us informed

DuckerJim Re: new for me Frankie Heidelbeaur has screwed together his stoppers/barrells forever. The barrell is female threaded (Birdseye Maple) and the plastic stopper has the male thread. It's more work but you won't lose 1/2 a call. The threads break out on the wood but when I talked to his grandson Todd he told me they still hold. You just don't screw the insert down hard. I see on ebay where others are doing it too. I fit each of my stoppers to the barrell and haven't had a problem of losing one. Also haven't had to replace and lost stoppers. Its the callmakers choice the way I see it. Both ways are good ways of doing the same job. I have a Heidelbeaur and will try to post some pics of how it goes together. I hope Todd doesn't mind. hello everyone "im new here, and to call making. from the post's i have read this will be a very helpful site. i am a machinest by trade and love to duck hunt,so naturaly the next step is to making my own call. working with steel is easy for me,but wood is a new ball game for me ???. any tips would be greatly apppretiated. been talking with wade alot and he has been a world of help. cant wait till my lathe comes in so i can get started. looking forward to chatting with ya.

              duckdude
" Re: hello everyone "Hey Duck Dude, your right this is a great site and there is some great info from alot of experinced call makers on this site, me not included. Ive been a woodturner for 30 years and only recently got into callmaking. I have the good fortune of heaving a metal lathe so I can make all my manderels, tapers and jigs for turning calls, seeing how your a machinest this will come in very handy for you also. One thing I have found if your not near bald you will be from pulling your hair out on some of these frustrating evenings trying to get reeds rights, curvatures right, tone channels long enough but its FUN.  Good Luck,
Winelaketurner
" Re: hello everyone "Good to see you here Dude, an amazing wealth of knowledge.  Youll have to teach us how its done once you get your lathe. ;-)

Have a great one." New Goose Call "Hi guys,
Well after two months of working on a goose call I finally got it done and to make sure it wasn't a fluke I did another one.  The barrels are 4-1/2 inches long and the stoppers are 2-1/2 inches long. This is a 3 piece call and the soundboard is cedar with 14 ml mylar reed.  Just had to tell somebody.  Supper really tasted good tonight!

Winelaketurner" Re: New Goose Call Way to GO!!! Makes you feel great inside doesnt it?
Youll have to post up asome pics and sound clips.

wade Re: New Goose Call "Hey Wade,
I got the pictures but not sure how to post them on this format?
Winelake" Re: New Goose Call "Do you have a website? or one of those online picture services? if so, you save them there and then use the image button above in the compose screen to paste the link in.  If you dont ahve a website, myself or maybe arkbuck might be coerced into putting it up for you.... for the right price,,, of course  ;D :D :P
Ha, let me know.  If you want me to do it, just email me the pics.

Wade
" Re: New Goose Call "Hi All, Here are some pics of my goose calls.   A special thank you to Wade for helping make this possible.  Hope you enjoy them.

[img]http://www.webfootcustomcalls.com/webpicsfolder/goose%20call_0001.JPG[/img]
[img]http://www.webfootcustomcalls.com/webpicsfolder/goose%20call_0002.JPG[/img]
[img]http://www.webfootcustomcalls.com/webpicsfolder/goose%20call_0004.JPG[/img]


winelake
" Re: New Goose Call "Hey Winelaketurner, your toneboard and reed block is the same type I use on my predator calls. I was wondering if you used a keyway cutter wheel. Also what kind of setup do you use to center up and get the channel centered in the rod? Thanks." Re: New Goose Call Lone Howl
I use a three wing slot cutter in a rotor that is in a rotor table. I made a jig to hold the 1/2 inch blanks that are cut with a plug cutter. The jig is a sliding platform that has a block on it with a 1/2 inch hole in it. The block is spit on a band saw and two screws are put in place to hold both halves together. When the screws are loosened a bit the blank can be side in and the screws turned down to grip the blank. The jig is side along the fence ot the rotor table and the cutter bit is rised to the center of the work. A stop block at the right place stops the cut at the right place. The depth is set by moving the fence forward or backward to get the right depth for the cut. I hope this will help you out?

Winelake Re: New Goose Call A great help! Any chance of a pic or two? Id really appreciate it! Thanks! lanyard Where can I find instructions on making call lanyards? ??? Re: lanyard "Id just get one you like, and a book on braiding and copy it, then once youre familiar with it, you can come up with your own designs.  
Good luck
Wade
" Re: lanyard The flat braid (3 strand) is pretty easy. My son makes all my lanyards and does a 4 strand round that I have yet to figure out. Be careful on the "Bolen" type braid. If you are making them to sell he is supposed to have a patent on that braid. Not sure how you patent a knot but thats the story and he has it on his web site as well. My son is trying to make extra money for college. If anyone is interested he custom braids for those that want him to. His work is first rate. Braids are tight and he uses a brass collar instead of tying the braid together at the bottom. It looks great and I don't think anyone else is doing it. I will post pics soon. Tone Board ????? "Have purchased 4 different tone board jigg's in the last 4 months, following the tone board contour can not get a sound worth a HOOT, do you guy's just rough follow it and then file it to your own contour or what. NEED ADVICE.  THANKS" Re: Tone Board ????? "I suggest you tinker with your tome channel lengths, if you havent already.  Try one that stops about 1/2" from the tip of the board ( I get the best results using .525) but that is on my jigs.  That part is very critical to the call and various styles and types of jigs.

I cut mine and file them right down to the jig, the current jig I have is not tool steel, and so it had changed over the years, and so I have to do a little fine tunign when its done, but once I get my new jig, Ill go right to the jig surface, because if the jig is good, then that should be right where you want to be.

Does that help any?
I hope so, feel free to email me if you have any other questions that I might be able to help with.
Wade


" Re: Tone Board ????? "WADE HERE GOES THE DUMB ????, FROM THE BACK OF YOUR CORK NOTCH WHAT LENGTH DO YOU USE TO THE END OF YOUR TONE BOARD, AND APPROX. LENGTH OF YOUR REED PAST YOUR TONE CHANNEL.  THANKS  ??? ??? ???" Re: Tone Board ????? "Dont know the answer to that one, it varies from call to call depending on what sound Im after, and since my jig is different thatn yours, it is likely a worthless measurent.  But i would try getting the 1/2" from the tip of your board as a guess.
I think my board is about 1.7" ish, but Im not sure and it does change some from acall to call.
As for the reed, Id say in the neighborhood of 1/8" to 3/16" past the channel.  But again that varies for what I want the call tosound like.
Hope that helps, and isnt too vague

Wade
" Aged bois d' arc? "Does anybody have a good source for aged bois d' arc ( aka osage orange, bodock, bodark, hedge, horse apple)?  A friend gave me some old fence posts that came out great, very dense and hard, nice color, much better than kiln dried stuff.  " Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Im working on it, but nothing solidified as of yet, Ill let you  know if I get something.  Most of what it looks like Im gonna be able to get is actual logs and such.  Not much in the way of posts, but Ill see.
Wade
" Re: Aged bois d' arc? The source I use is area farmers. At times they replace and old corner post with a new pipe post. If you can get them to give you the post you are in business. Also in for alot of hard work. If you are lucky the part of the post that was in the ground will have alot of Green wood in it. It is a Lime green color. To my knowledge its the ONLY place to get Green Bois d' Arc. Minerals from the soil leech into the wood over the years turning it green. Its always a prize to get enough to make a call from. Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Just curious about bois d'arc , guys , can you tell me a little about it ?
Django" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Dejango, Native Americans used the wood for bows and arrows, the french therefore called the wood "bois d'arc" or wood of the bow. Variations of this are "bodock" and "bodark". Early settlers found that the wood could be plan" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "That may be the best description that I have heard for bois d'arc wood!

You even got the origin right.  I've heard too many times the incorrect version that Native Americans made CANOES out of it, and thus the french name bois d'arc (incorrectly assuming that "arc" meant "ark" as in Noah and the ark).  

Just FYI, they actually made canoes out of Tulip Poplars because they grow straight and tall.

Django,  The heartwood is bright yellow and darkens to a yellow-orange, orange-brown  color with age. " Re: Aged bois d' arc? "I havent found any yet, but still looking.  If anyone runs into any, I dont really need burried fence posts, though that would be cool.  But if you find any, I could use a name of the place if you arent planning on buying htem out.

Wade

Who is tring to track down a guy in NE about it
" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Actually, I heard that once a long time ago there once was a native american tribe in Minnesota that used Bois D'Arc for canoes, but also heard it may have been the cause of their extinction.  

Having to constantly portage from lake to lake, they reportedly all developed chronic back pain which led to extreme moodiness and in-fighting among the tribesmen and ultimately to their demise.  :)

Sorry, guess I'm bored.  Duck season is over and I've got cabin fever.
" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Maybe this will help some...In my area the best place to find some of the old fence post is along old railroad right of ways. Seems they used them when the were they were crosing moist areas like creeks and slews. That is where I have found them. There are several old right of ways that the tracks have been removed from here. Just ask the land owner, most of the time they don't care and sometimes they can even help you find more. If the landowner is a duck hunter, make him a call out of some of the wood you find. Sure does make them happy and it keeps them looking for more for ya.

I don't know of any place you can buy aged green bodock. Its more of a finders keepers thing. Believe me..its worth the time looking!" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Guys , thanks for the info re bois d'arc , I am always interested in learning about new and unusual timber . By the way , a recent topic discussing toxic wood was most interesting . We have a hardwood down here called " Black Bean " which is very toxic , just about everybody that uses it reports skin problems , there is even talk about the dust causing cancer .
There are a number of Australian timbers that also cause skin problems but Black Bean is considered the worst .

Django" Re: Aged bois d' arc? "Very informative post!
Was this wood used alot for corner/fence post, and were they used in select parts of the contry?  How would I know if the fence posts in my area are bois d' arc?  I have purchased this type of wood, but it doesn't resemble any fence post I've seen." Re: Aged bois d' arc? I talked with a call maker at a show sometime back that had several calls made out of the green osage.  I asked him where his supplier was and he said he made the wood like that himself.  He took a 55 gallon metal drum filled it with a dry mud solution and buried the osage sticks in the drum and capped the lid every month or so he would go and wet the top of the barrell down to keep it moist and he said it took about a year under those constant conditions to produce the green osage. Goose call guts and reeds.... "Just a heads up: Just talked to Knight and Hale,
They have recently changed the price of thier goose call guts and reeds to double for the guts and quadruple for the reeds. They "say" that they moved the production from KY to AR and thats why" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... " :o :o :o I just talked to them today and got the same story, in fact the first gal I talked to said are you the guy that called yesterday. Must have been you wade. I thought the same thing about their prices too much! others are making an improved version of their guts for not too much more. Anyway looks like I lost out as I should have bought a bunch a long time ago." Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Im hoping someone will come along and stick it to them.  I have heard from a few people that not only are they pulling this kind of crap, but all in all arent really the best people in the owrld either.. motivated more by money or fame or somehting other than being just plain good people trying to help the world.  I just feel sorry for some middle school kids who's project was kaming a goose call or a duck call in their shop class.  That put the ixna on that in a hurry.  Poor kids...  And people wonder why waterfowling is at risk... cause the kids keep taking the brunt from the money grubbing adults and big companies obsessed with a dollar, not its customers.

Crap I tell you, Crap!!!

maybe ill find a way around this.....

Wade
" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "FYI,  You do know that Knight & Hale was bought out by Pradco, think spelling is correct, about 3 years ago.  The company that bought them, is big in fishing lures, and their office is in AR., and good chance that's why they are moving production.  " Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Yeah I heard that a while ago, I was just going by the name K&H cause thats who everyone knows em as.  I have heard Harold and David were and are great guys, and that being the case its too bad the name is still associated.  From what I know of them they were great, but the new owners as of a few years ago seem to think quality and price are not correlated.  Their loss.
Wade
" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Yea Wade you are correct.  Another outfit buys up a outfit because of the name, and  the products they have, and then give them a couple of years, and they run it the way they want to, not how the original owners ran it.  " Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... Not to mention ruin what they had bought in the process.
Big business.... Ill never get it.
Wade
Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... I got guts from a fella in Illinois a few years ago. Also talk to Rick Dunn at Echo. He has guts for around $3 per set. Rick is a good friend and hasn't sold out to the corporate fellas. His take a special bore. A little smaller than 5/8. He can tell you the bore when you talk to him. I will find the fellas name in Illinois and post it as well. Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Hey Guys,

Would like to here more about where or who to speak with about goose call guts.  Last year I was able to build a pretty decent single reed timber call and was able to sell a few.  This year thinking about designing a short reed goose call.  Accept the problem was pinning down a supplier for guts and reeds.  The more info the better.

Mark
High Ring Duck Calls" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Im making som progress.  Getting a reed punch made for a proto type, and then if it works as well as it sounds, I will have it available.  I have a few leads on reeds and guts, when I get more stuff beaten down, (including a call to K&H marketing and PR guy - who called me at home and left message wanting to know the "story" thanks to another guy I talked with at the fuge).
Hopefully I can come up with more and better suppliers and everyone will be right back were they were onlywith better stuff.
Hold tight, I have a ton if info right now but its not organized.... give me a few and Ill get er straight.

Wade
" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "So far this is what I have found on goose call guts.
Greg Keats:
Has Clucker guts made from his own mold.  They have higher quality, better plastic, tighter tolerances, better reeds and etc.  
He also sells his other style of guts for 7" Re: Goose call guts and reeds.... "Hey Wade, definetly let us know on a reed punch, I hear you can get a laser engraver(trophy shop) to cut reeds but I think Id rather do it myself." Arkbuck's sound clip I just got a sound clip of Arkbuck's call up on my website under the "cutomer's calls" link.  Let me know if you want more up there Arkbuck or if yo have a different one you want up there too.
Wade
Re: Arkbuck's sound clip "Wade, I couldn't get that sound clip to work. Your Goose call clips worked but none of your duck calls would work and neither did Arkbuck's. It said see system Administrator. It may be on my end but the fact the goose ones worked made me wonder." Re: Arkbuck's sound clip "Im reloading the whole site, wee if that helps.
Wade
" Re: Arkbuck's sound clip "Works for me, actually did before I reloaded the site, but still works for me on all sounds.
Try it and let me know
Wade
" sweet success " ;D ;D ;D I did it I built my first ark. style duck call, thanks to alot of reading here and some helpful suggestions after my first disaster. I have now made made 5 different inserts and three barells of different lengths. All of the tone boards sound like a quacker but have there own qualities. I have two that I really like I'm going to try duplicate one by making a metal jig. Anyway I'm back at work now and my wife is probably relieved after all that tuning hahaha. ;D thanks to all you guys here and special thanks to Jason for hosting us all." Aussie Mylar "Hi guys , thought you all might like to chew on this . I found a local subsidiary of GEpolymers . 10 thou Mylar sheet , no problem , I only have to make a purchase of $300.00 ( about $150.00US ) THIS MUST BE THE GOLD PLATED STUFF !!
>:(
Does the HUTPRODUCTS mylar come in sheets or is it precut ?

Django" Re: Aussie Mylar It comes both sheet and precut reeds. Precut reeds are 5/8 X1 3/8 X 0.010 Stock #3034B for black 3034W for white. Both $ 1.19.  Sheets 5" X 10" Stock#3035  $2.49. Sounds a whole lot cheaper than $150. Shipping will probably cost more than the reeds.  Hope this helps. Re: Aussie Mylar GE Polymer in Memphis or Littlerock will ship an order for about $30. Several sheets that are about 2' square. Thats where most of the big boys get theres. I got an order there a few years ago and am just now running out. duju ???? What was the name of the place that you got that rubber tubing from....it was the 5/8 od tubing to use on your hut  mandrel???/ Re: duju ???? I found it !!!! By doing a search... :) Delta Copier "I have a Delta Copier to get rid of if anyone is interested. I have used it once and decided I didn't like it. Also a learning curve with it that I don't wanna mess with. I have had it about 4 years and it has been collecting dust for 3. If anyone is interested email me at "FoggyBottomCalls@aol.com". I think I gave around $400 for it but I would entertain offers for trade, money/trade, etc. I also have a box full of tooling for it. All of the tooling is metal lathe tooling - some still in the wax they dip it in when it is new. " Mylar Can anyone give me the phone # for GE Polymer and the necessary extension to purchase reed material. BBBGoose - goose call drill bit. "Hey BBB - and other goose call malers that are fighting the "guts are smaller than 5/8", but not much" problem.  Throwing this up publicly cause it might help others.
Finally got the quote for you on the stepped drill be we talked about forever ago.  SOrry it took so long.  Anyway, normal 5/8" drillbit, except the begining 3/4" of it is .611" for the average goose call guts (that have gotten less available here recently).  34.00 with a 3-4 week lead time.  These are good quality bits and I would use them for wood, and not acrylic.  I can work up a bit fro acrylic that is 1/64" undersized and then you can clean up with reamers or maybe a custom reamer in acrylic.  Let me know if that does you any good.

Wade" Re: BBBGoose - goose call drill bit. "Wade, sounds pretty reasonable I'll give you a call about it. How will it fit my mandrel ? I guess I could send the rod back to be altered, but don't really wan't to be without a way to turn duck calls. Mabey I'm making it too complicated." Re: BBBGoose - goose call drill bit. "Easy, just have me make another rod, that will fit your holder.  It would be an additional cost, but it would then give you more call specific versatility.
Hope that helps.
Wade
" Re: BBBGoose - goose call drill bit. I had a feeling that was coming hahahaha. Re: BBBGoose - goose call drill bit. I always knew you were a smart little water moccasin  ;D Goulds - tried the reed material "Hey goulds, I tried that reed material a while ago, and I just realized I hadnt told you about it.
The xray stuff was a bit too thin and the ruler was a bit to soft.  I could get them to make sound, but not the best sound.  maybe if I tried customizing a soundboard to the reed instead, thaat might help.  Just thought Id let you know.

Thanks again for sending it to me to try out!!
Wade
" Need some rubberized cork Guys my supplier that I normally get my rubberized cork from has run out and cant get anymore in. Any ideas where I might be able to get some. I've tried all the gasket places and automotve place in my town and no luck. I need 3/16 and prefer not to have the cork/neoprene. Thanks a bunch
Sharpening tools "Just getting started in call making and using the lathe. How often can I expect (estimate) to be sharpening my lathe tools? I know this will vary somewhat, but is it in the range of every so many calls or so many times per call??!! Thanks in advance for the info. You're also likely to see more posts from me in the future and hopefully with a more permanent name. Thanks again!" Re: Sharpening tools "Okla, I have a little bench grinder and I sharpen my tools as soon as they stop cutting optimally. That varies with the material you are working. I didn't start out with a way to sharpen my tools, and it got old fast going just 3 doors down to grandpas. I made it two days without, before i went and bought the bench grinder." Re: Sharpening tools You can find several old posts about this subject. I use a Craftsman wet wheel and freehand it. ;) Stabilized Wood ??? When people talk about stabilizing wood or using stabilized wood what are they refering to. what is the process of stabilizing your own wood.   Thanks. Re: Stabilized Wood "I send my wood to a company called WSSI to be stabilized. They maintain a website at http://www.stabilizedwood.com/ and they have a toll free number  1-800-301-WSSI (9774). Most of the wood I have stabilized is birdseye or burl maple. They do a good job and have fast turn around time.

The guy's name is Mike Ludeman and is a real pleasure to work with. Give him a call or visit the website.

Good Luck,
Troy " Gander_Magic Wood blocks "New here, been lurking for awhile and finally decided to register.  I have a question for guys that cut their own blocks of wood.  I found some 40 year old hedge posts and have been cutting them up into blocks.  I noticed that after i cut them into the right size blocks, the next day they are deveoping cracks.  I know these posts are old and should be thouroughly dry but should I apply wax after cutting them?  Any help apreciated. " Re: Wood blocks "It would be best to treat the end grain with either wax or poly. We cut up a bunch of posts a few years ago that had been out of the ground 14 years. The moisture content varied in the resulting blocks from 12%-16%. We kilned some of the blocks and stacked the rest of them in the barn. The blocks in the barn are at 8% now.

Good Luck,
Troy Duff" Got a deal on a new lathe Got one off ebay....Delta 46-701.....new but had cracked plastic casing....can get a new from delta.....I think these are normally 600-800 dollars....got a grand total of $220.00 in it.....can't wait to try it out... ;D Re: Got a deal on a new lathe ::)That's a score!!! ;D ;D How Do You "Score" acrylic?? How do you score acrylic with the fixed center on the lathe.  I tried with a hammer and the acrylic rod shattered!  Someone help me.  Thanks. Re: How Do You "Score" acrylic?? "Youre using a regular drive spur?

just drill a hole the size of the spur pin and then take a hacksaw and cut an X across the hole, then your drive spur should just set right in there.  
Hope that helps.
Wade
" Aged burnt bois d'arc " This is a call made from an old  bois d'arc fence post I was given, still looking for more!  Barrell and insert are from the same post, just different parts.                                          [img]http://link.freepichosting.com/image.cgi/19897/0.jpg?=600&y=400[/img]                                                                Jim Chamberlin" Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc Very nice Bo-whomp! Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc Wooo Whooo aint dat dere some purty stuff!!  Man I wish I could find some post hegde.
Wade
Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc Just exactly how much would a rickety old fence post be worth to ya Mr. Webfoot? I know where there is 40 or 50 just like this...
[img]http://link.freepichosting.com/image.cgi/20050/0.jpg?x=600&y=400[/img]
or maybe some 6" ready-made turning rounds...? ::) Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc "Oh yeah, that sure is some fine work you do bo-whomp. I've got an image saved of one you ran on ebay a while back. I think it was a checkered blackwood call. Good stuff..." Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc Very nice!!!..I got some green bois d'arc calls made. Now all I have to do is figure out how to post them... ??? Guess there's just somethings I'm just not suppose to learn... :'( ;D Re: Aged burnt bois d'arc "we talking the burried green stuff or the regular above ground yeller stuff?  The way I look at it, it a matter of what do you want for it?  Your wood, your price.  If I can afford it, Ill get it, if I cant Ill plead and cry til you lower the price  ;D :'( HA!

Let me now, I have a guy thats getting into some hedge, but its good to ahve different sources cause the colors change from area to area a little.  Out here, the hedge is very dark and more brown than yellow.

Let me know
Wade
" score! Ya'll are gonna love this thing. It's a reed cutting machine. I got mine at Office Depot for $15. Works like a champ. 8)
[img]http://crafts.fiskars.com/projects/images/products/big_images/9598-7097.jpg[/img]
[url]http://crafts.fiskars.com/projects/show_product.html?prod=9598-7097[/url] Re: score! I've used one for a while and like it.  Better buy an extra blade though cause the mylar will dull it in time.  Also iit will leave a small ridge along the cut line that you will either need to scrape or file down so it will lay on the tone channel. Duplicator Guys I have a friend that is wanting to sell his Vega Mini Duplicator.  He uses the machine on a Delta Midi Lathe and it is in perfect working order.  If you are interested he wants $100 for it.  You can email or PM me and I will give you his info. WALL THICKNESS "KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE 5/8" HOLE THROUGH BARREL, USING DIAL CALIPERS, WHAT IS THE THINNEST YOU WOULD TAKE BARREL TO WITHOUT CONCERN FOR CRACKING, ALSO DO YOU THINK THE THICKNESS HAS MUCH TO DO WITH TONE." Re: WALL THICKNESS "Generally speaking, thinner barrels resonate better than thicker barrels just as denser materials such as acrylic resonate better than less dense materials.  

Without the different resonations that color the sound, a call tends to sound flat (" Re: WALL THICKNESS I agree with Jason on the thickness.  I set my calipers at 7/8 and bring the barrels down to that a half inch or so behind the mouthpiece end.  If it's flared back out somewhat at the mouthpiece that seems to give it adequate strength for normal use.  I've not had one break or split yet that I know of. Re: WALL THICKNESS "To me it depends on what the wood is.  I have made calls that were around .030" wall thickness at the thinest part.  Some of them you can even see light through.  Now these are fragile, but depending on what you use, it might work.
On average my call wall thicknesses are around .070-.080" give or take, and as long as its a tough wood, it should last.  Cocabolo, bloodwood and osage orange are the three I can routinely get thin (I mean really thin) and they hold up to the elements.  BUt its always a risk, one Im willing to take for the sound I like.

Wade
" STOPPER DIAMETER ????? "I'M TINKERING WITH THE THREAD IN IDEA BUT HAVE TO TURN THE STOPPER TO 9/16" DIAMETER I THEN SLIDE A BRASS THREAD OVER, THAT I HAVE OPENED UP TO 9/16", THEN SHIM UP THE 5/8" JIG TO CENTER CUT THE TONE CHANNEL, THIS PROCESS TAKES VERY LITTLE AIR BUT SEEM TO HIGH PITCHED, THINK I SHOULD GO SMALLER THAN 1/4" ON TONE CHANNEL.  (HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE NOW I'M CONFUSE) WADE CAN YOU BUILD CUSTOM JIG WITH 9/16" CHANNEL" Re: STOPPER DIAMETER ????? "I know, this is a simplistic answer to a complex question, but... what happens when you lengthen the reed just a hair?  All things being equal, lengthening the reed will always lower the tone.  It may cause other problems however." Re: STOPPER DIAMETER ????? "You want it, I can build it.....
Between me and my buddy the machinist-beggining call maker, we can do anything.  The cost might be a just a touch higher cause of the changes in the CAD file to facilitate the 9/16" bore, but I cant imagine much really.  Maybe not at all.  The threads... depending on how you want the jig designed may or may not be easy or cheap, but Im sure there is a way around it.
Ill have to make a new trogh for my mapping fixture but that "aint no thang".  Let me know what you are wanting to do.  I can also do mandrels and such for these sizes..

Wade
" Wade_C Off center tone channel "I need some advice concerning the tone channel holes in my inserts.  At present I am using a One-way chuck to turn my inserts with a live center to stabilize the turnings. Call it suspenders and a belt.  The problem I am having is that when it comes time to drill the tone channel the drill bit wanders. This results in off-center channels.  I've made sure that the wood is seated squarely in the chuck. Lathe speed is 1800 rpms. I've used Forstner bits, Brad point and regular drill bits with the same result.  Thanks >:(" Re: Off center tone channel "A lot of the guys on here have good results chucking their inserts in their lathe and drilling them.  I've had decent results using Hut's taper and mandrel.  I just drill the insert stock on the drill press to the depth I want, taper the hole a bit to accept the mandrel, and stick it on the lathe and jam the tailstock against the other end.  I'm usually dead center when I finish, and when I'm not it's usually a piece of osage orange (maybe grain or something).

I've got a steel rod a little under 1/4" and about a foot long that I put in the insert to check for alignment before putting it in the jig to cut.  I can then mark it so the tone channel will either be deeper or shallower rather than skewed to one side." quonk Re: Off center tone channel "Let's try something a bit differnt here. Frist drill the insert on the lathe or drill press. Now get a good hard block of maple and turn a taper to fit your lathe. Once the taper is turned press it in the headstock of your lathe. Now turn the face of your wooden taper flat. If your insert hole is 1/4 and you have a drill chuck in the tailstock of the lathe drill a 1/4 inch hole in the maple taper. Make the hole 2 inches deep. Now cut a piece 1/4 inch rod so it will be just a bit shorter when pressed in the taper and the length of the length of the sound channel. Place the insert on the 1/4 inch rod and bing the tailstock end up and tighten to the insert. This should let you turn the insert. You are now turning the insert around the tone channel hole and it should be near perfect. This takes the drll wandering out of the picture.
Hope this will help,
Winelake" Re: Off center tone channel Thanks guys for the help.  In the interim I showed my son how to make an insert. As I was doing this I noticed that my off center hits seem to be the result of the wood hardness (pine vs. rock maple or cocobolo). I wonder if a slower lathe speed will make a difference?  At least now I have 2 great methods to fall back on. Re: Off center tone channel "I was going to say slow her down, I drill at around 400-600 max, and that still has a tendancy to go a little crooked here and there.  The main thing to check is the tail stock to head stock alignment, if its off at all , your hole will be for sure. " Re: Off center tone channel I drill my stoppers on my lathe. Then I put a bit the same size in my drill press. I slide the drilled stopper up on this bit. I use my lathe vise as a steady rest for a pencil. Turn on the drill press so that the stopper is spinning. Lower it into the jaws of the vise and lightly touch the pencil to the stopper. This will leave a mark on a portion of the stopper. I make my mark about an inch down from where the taper begins on the outside of the stopper. Pull the stopper off of the drill bit. Look at the pencil  mark. The center of the pencil mark will be where the tone channel is bored straight. If you cut the stopper with the pencil mark up you will have a deep tone channel. Cut with it down and you will have a shallow tone channel. I have used this trick for years. I don't think you can drill a straight hole as most bits will want to follow the grain. Hope this helps everyone. Re: Off center tone channel Sharp bits help alot.  I prefer a split point or a pilot point - both do a good job of preventing bit wander. Re: Off center tone channel I use a 5/8 jacobs chuck to hold a stopper that I have already turned between centers and then use a jacobs chuck in the tail stock to hold the bit and drill away.  I drill at about 1800 rpm and just move the bit slowly.  I very rarely (maybe 1 in 50) have a channel off center and if it is off center you need a dial caliper to tell it. "Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "Hi Guys , I would like to know if metal reeds are still in common use in the USA and also when ( approx ) Mylar made its intro . I would also be interested to know how the two materials compare .

Also Guys , what's the collective opinion of duck calling instructional tapes ?

regards
Django " "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "Dont know on the mylar/metal.... I guess Im not old enough, have seen a few calls with metal, but most of them were old, or someone was making htem for more of an originality/nostalgia reason.

As for calling tapes, they are great, but it sometimes takes more than one tape or instructor to tell it to you in a way that makes sense.

Wade
" "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "The last great callmaker who used metal reeds primarily was Earl Dennison.  There are still a couple who make calls with metal reeds but, by looking at catalogs available in the US mylar is the way to go.  The reed in these calls (Dennison) are " "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "Hut Products Co. still sells a metal reed in an assembly as part of their call making kit.  Never heard them but someone might know more or has used them.  Herter's used a lot of metal reeds in their calls, still a lot of them around on E-bay and other places.  They were pretty good calls in there day.  Obviously mylar is much easier to work with and thus is the material of choice now. " "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" There are a few current callmakers who still use metal reeds. Actually a phosphor/bronze I believe. The one I know personally is Gene Parrish from Tennessee I believe. I haven't talked to him in a few years but He is still around I believe. I am sure you can find him at www.customcalls.com. I prefer the mylar because of it's versitility. Also there is an art to putting the curve in the reed for the metal reed calls. I watched Gene do it once. He pulled the reed between his thumb and index finger. As he pulled it it caused the reed to curve. Somehow he knew when it was right. Metal reed calls have a different sound than a mylar - kinda hard to explain until you have heard one. As for the tapes check out the Duck Commander series on calling. He gets down to the basics and includes everything including a little shooting. Hope this helps. "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "Guys , thanks for the responses regarding reeds and calling tapes .
It just came to me blokes ,( by the way , a bloke is an Aussie term meaning " Guys " so if you see me write something like " hey you blokes ! " you will know I mean " hey you guys !" )
What species of duck is the most commonly hunted in the US ? I am guessing the mallard ? The reason I ask is , I have listened to the sound waves on a few duck call makers websites and except for different styles , the calls pretty much all sound similar .  For example, do you use the same ' highball ' call for mallards as well as say pintails ??
Sorry if this all sounds elementary to you guys , but I am just really interested in learning about the duck hunting culture in America .
all the best
Django

" "Re: Reeds , Metal & Mylar.Calling tapes" "You're right that the duck calls we make and discuss are Mallard calls.  More specifically, they are intended to imitate the HEN Mallard.  A good call can do a good job imitating the softer growl that the drake mallard makes as well as other quacking ducks such as a gadwall.

Since the predominate type of duck around here is the Mallard, most ducks will respond positively to a Mallard quack.  Hearing a bunch of mallards on the water means that there is food or shelter or both, and it's a good place for any duck to be.

On my hunting lanyard, I carry three calls and a two tone whistle.  Two of the calls are mallard calls tuned to sound a little different from each other.  The other call is a specklebelly goose call.  I use the two tone whistle to sound like a wood duck, widgeon, teal, or pintail.

" Laminating Glue " Attempting to glue 1.5 x 1.5 blocks of bocota and osage  together for a laminated ring look. Tried Gorrilla Glue, blocks keep coming loose while sanding on lathe. any ideas that I might try." Re: Laminating Glue "Try 2 part high strength epoxy, worked for m with bnds and stuff when I used to do em.
Wade
" Re: Laminating Glue "For the strongest bond, Gorilla glue is the way to go.  

To get the best bond, make sure that the pieces fit well from the start.  Rough the joining sides a bit with sandpaper.  Dampen the joining sides and apply the Gorilla glue.  Clamp the pieces together tightly for at least 24 hours.  I would wait 36 hours before attempting to work it.

I have also sucessfully used 5 minute epoxy (two part).  It is strong, but the epoxy has a relatively low melting point.  If you generate too much heat while sanding or polishing, the epoxy will break down.  Other two part epoxies might not have the same problem.

I have used CA for display pieces.  It's fast and easy, but CA isn't completely waterproof, so it wouldn't be ideal for a hunting call." Re: Laminating Glue "Thank you Wade and Jason, Jason what does the damping trick do in the glueing process.  Raise the grain ?????" Re: Laminating Glue "I used to just cut a glue ring for the glue to set in and have somethign to hold on to, and I didnt sand it.
Wade
" Re: Laminating Glue "Polyurethane glues (like Gorilla Glue) are activated by moisture.  If you don't moisten the pieces first, then the glue is activated by the moisture in the air, or what little moisture is already in the wood.  You dampen the pieces to ensure that the glue can cure thoroughly." World Championship Duck Calling Recording "Does anyone have recording of the World Championship Duck calling in Stuttgart, Ark?  I woiuld really like to hear it.  Would love to get it on CD or VHS.  Thanks" Re: World Championship Duck Calling Recording "Don't know of any freebies, but you can get any copies at www.stuttgartarkansas.com " quonk Metal Lathe "Wade you stated before you use a metal lathe for your stoppers, are you using it to form the entire thing or just the 5/8 portion. I have had good success on 5/8 portion, it gets a little tricky at the fancy end." Re: Metal Lathe "I use it to do the 5/8 part on wood, but I will use it to rough out the basic shape of acrylic.  But most of the shaping goes on on the wood lathe.
Wade
" New Idea (or Not) on Goose Call Guts "I have been giving it alot of thought to this, how it difficult has been finding pre fab goose call guts, so I thought maybe I will try machining some from acrylic.  I have been able to find 5/8 acrylic rod.  Cutting a small piece and chucking it into my lathe and boring out my insert hole.  From there a metal jig similar to a duck call jig but designed for a goose call so I may split it in have and from the other piece or a new piece make the wedge.  Just thinking out loud.  Any suggestions, ideas, or maybe I should look for another solution.  What do you all think?" Re: New Idea (or Not) on Goose Call Guts "Ive done it and it works, its just a pain in the rump to get the angles right to it wedges.  Ive done a few on my mill, a few in a jig, and hand done a few, and each one needed some help to wedge in the keg, usually some scotch tape.  It works, and once you had the "perfect jig" for the wedge and ramp, you would likely be okay, but it does take a while to cut and file the acrylic to shape.
Good luck

Wade
" 2 Man Team Contest Fellas I need some feedback. I am not sure how close alot of you are to Claremore Okla. We are having a 2 Man Team Contest there the end of the month along with some other contests. There has been interest from out of state. Should we try to make this a Regional or keep it a State? I need teams from 3 states for it to qualify. Gimme some feedback.........thanks Foggy laminates "Anybody have any easy and/or cheap ways to plane or otherwise smooth small pieces of leftover wood to make laminates or mozaics into turning sticks?  Most of the small planers I see won't go less than 3/16" inch.  I've tried sanding pieces on a belt sander to mate before glueing, but haven't had too great of results." Re: laminates Put a piece of thicker wood in the bottom of your thickness planer as a shim and run the other pieces thru on top of it. You can get thinner than thin this way. Re: laminates I use a jointer to mate the sides of my pieces.  If you try it be careful working with that small wood on a jointer can be tricky. Delta Midi lathe /scroll chuck? "Hi Guys , I have the chance to pick up a Delta Midi lathe at a good price . The delta is fitted with a Vicmarc 4 jaw scroll chuck .
I understand the common method for turning calls is to use a mandrel .
In my limited knowledge of call turning , it seems to me that a scroll chuck would work rather well .
I would be grateful for your thoughts on this guys
regards
Django" Re: Delta Midi lathe /scroll chuck? The chuck will come in handy to turn your inserts with.... ;D Re: Delta Midi lathe /scroll chuck? "I use a 4 jaw chuck to turn my calls and it works great but, there are pitfalls.  These chucks are what is called self-centering but, because you are trying to make essentially a tube instead of a bowl you will still need to use the live center that comes" GAduck Re: Delta Midi lathe /scroll chuck? "Speaking of pictures,
I was looking at the tutorial pics today.  MAN, they are really out of date.  I need to get new images with my current setup.  I'll have to keep the old ones as an example of how to get by on a small budget.  ;D" Squeal "What type of corrections would you look at making to a call that wants to squeal under high pressure? Call does not lock up, just loses any ducky sound and obviously changes tone character when hail calling or otherwise LOUD blowing. Is there any errors that may be present in how it was drilled/cut/filed? Thanks!" Re: Squeal I actually struggled with the same problem for a while.  You probabbly need to adjust your back pressure some and enlarge the exhoust hole.  You can also steepen the radius on the toneboard but the easiest fix and if all other things seem to be right you have actually cut the reed too short.  Just a hair too short and the call will squeal like a bull elk call.  There is a good post on this topic some pages back on the board where alot of members gave some great advice go back and try to find it it will help you greatly.  If you cant find it ask Jason he probably knows about where it is. Back pressure Can someone give me a working definition of the concept of backpressure.  I've made Reelfoot type flat toneboards before and have cut the tone channel too deep.  As you can imagine this requires about a 1000 psi to make any sound. I call these calls for lack of better terms "blown out."  Is backpressure simply the impedance of air flow through the call and is it this that creates the oscillation of the reed we know as a duck call ? Re: Back pressure "The back pressure has an effect on the call, more in function specifics rather than sound.  A call with more back pressure and the same tone board will be quieter, easier to blow and overblow, and more mellow.  A leeser amount of back pressure w" Duck Calls & Pool Cues "I visited a man today here in OK that builds pool cues. to purchase some turning stock that he had for sale. Told him of all my problem's that I was having with my duck calls, He said he had never known anyone who built duck calls, (DOESN'T HUNT). He listened then begin to give advise from using router's in place of band saws, different finishing ideas ect. Came home and put his thoughts to work, finished the two prettiest and best sounding calls I have made to date, after 6-months of trying. Oh well I guess if you can make a pool stick that sell's for $3000.00 each I guess
it was a good idea to listen to the him." Re: Duck Calls & Pool Cues Seen a place on e-bay that actually made pool cues and was selling it for making duck calls also. Re: Duck Calls & Pool Cues busman where in OK are you? I am north of Tulsa and have been making calls for about 18 years now. Re: Duck Calls & Pool Cues "Foggy, I know you have made calls for a long time, because I purchased one from you about 8 years ago, it's still on my lanyerd, great call . I live between Mustang and Yukon. I would like to come by and visit you sometime, when i'm in your area, I have only been building or attempting to build calls for about 8 months now. I get up your direction on occation, I am the Blue Bird school bus distributor in OK." Re: Duck Calls & Pool Cues I'll be in OKC at the Backwoods show in 2 weeks. Drop by the DU booth and say hello. We will also have some calling contests if you want to compete a little. back to work Hello guys missed being online for awhile been trying to hunt then the boss lady had me working around home any way back to the grind again can some one tell me were or how to get either stickers or engraving done for calls thanks How to shave a reed and what are the benefits of d ??? Re: How to shave a reed and what are the benefits "Little at a time, try in different places, and experiment.  
I usually use sandpaper and sand the top (side not touching sound board), and I sand the surface exposed when its in place.  I usually have more sanding ont he tip than in back but its hard to quantify.
It usually makes the call eaiser to blow, but does change the sound a bit.  
Hope that helps
Wade
" Re: How to shave a reed and what are the benefits "Wade, what grit paper do you use for this, just about the time I thought I new everything there was to know, ya"ll start talking GREEK again." Re: How to shave a reed and what are the benefits What about shaving reed with a razor blade? how is this done? Re: How to shave a reed and what are the benefits "Ill use what ever makes sense to take off how ever much I need to.  If Im thinning it down a lot, Ill go 220, then when Im close shift to 600ish, or if not much Ill just start with 600.

Shaving with a razor blade is just scraping the blade across the reed while its held flat, Ive never messed with it, but Ive seen it done.  Seem slike a pain to me....
Hope that helps
Wade
" Laminating..something new for me "Guys I have not done any laminating before. What are some of the pitfalls I need to be aware of before I start? Maybe a better question would be..Can you suggest something simple for me to try? I have a few in mind but since this is something I have not tried yet, I figured I would ask how some of ya'll do it.  Maybe even a brief discription of how ya'll do it would help. I am working with a min amount of tools..so keep it simple please. Thanks for any info provided." Re: Laminating..something new for me "Arkie. I just completed a laminated call this weekend, made with cocabola and maple look good, glue it all together with Grizzly Glue, I would like to put a picture on here but have not figured it out yet, if anyone could give information on how to put picture's on here it would be great." Re: Laminating..something new for me "If you want to email it to me, I'll post it for ya.

OK, here it is.  Nice call Busman.

[img]http://www.missmallard.com/images/busman_lam.jpg[/img]" Jason Re: Laminating..something new for me That is a nice call..now if I can just figure out how its done.. ;D Re: Laminating..something new for me Thats sweeeeetttt!!
Re: Laminating..something new for me "I just stopped over at a local call makers house in my town last weekend for the first time. He does alot of laminates. Talk about neat! The process is just a mattter of taking a turning block, chopping it and glueing another kind of wood to it to whatever pattern that you like. Seem interesting. One question, Would the call hold up over time with it swelling and shrinking? This guy makes a couple hundred calls a year and claims that he has only had one call fail him" Re: Laminating..something new for me "River,
the call will hold up if you use the right kind of glue.  meaning a polyurethane glue like gorilla glue or pro-bond.  Now the rules for laminating duck calls are the same for laminating any kind of wood for any other project if you glu" I've got duck call boxes(place your order) "Guys, I've finally found a place to get duck call boxes from, there the type that echo, bgb, and other call makers use. If you would like to go in on the order with me drop me and e-mail asap. I'm  just trying to figure out how many to order and what size everyone would like. Color will be green and black.  Price is 86 cents per box plus shipping. It dont matter how many you need, just let me know. Thanks Doug
rivermallard@aol.com" RiverMallard Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) I would be interested. Let me know what size they are etc. How they fit together would be good to know also. Thanks Foggy Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) What is the chance of getting felt/draw string bags to go with these. Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) "Here are the dimensions I'm thinking of gettting. 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 5" or  1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 5.5". Im undecided on which. Depends on what everyone wants. e-mail me for a pic of the box. Busman, your chances are slim to none on the pouches, unless you can get my wife talked into firing up the sewing machine. Guys let me know ASAP if you want any boxes cause I need to get my order in. I should get them in by the first or second week of march. Later Doug" Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) Your email is hidden. Can you post a pic here? Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) "River Mallard, tried to e-mail a order to you twice for boxes, it was sent back said terminal error. www.rivermallard@aol.com" Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) Guys e-mail me at rivermallard@aol.com or go to my website and find my e-mail address there. Here is my website. www.rivermallard.com. I wish I could post a pic but I'm a computer dummy and cant figure it out on this site how to. Let me know if this works for you guys. Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) "busman,
I have my drawstring bags made and can have bags made out of whatever you want pm me if you are interested." Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) "Are these what you are looking for? 5"x2"x2" "Indestructo Mailers" $23.00 per 100.  This place also has tubes.   If the link does not work just go to uline.com, item # s467[ftp][/ftp]www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=s-467&ref=1351[ftp][/ftp]" Re: I've got duck call boxes(place your order) Bo whooop Those boxes are actually a shipping box. The type that I'm talking about are more like a fancy 2 part jewelry box. Allergic Reaction "I have broke out all over my face with a rash, working with cocabola, I really don't believe it was the wood, because this has never happened before, could be the Hot Stuff Glue I was using for a sealer. just wondering what type of protection do any of you use and when, gloves, mask, goggles etc.

Thanks :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[" Re: Allergic Reaction Prior exposure to anything from antibiotics to cocobolo does not insure that what you're experiencing is not in fact a true allergic reaction to the wood.  I am an Anesthesiologist so what I tell you can be considered realiable.  From what you'v Re: Allergic Reaction "It's the cocobolo,  I went for a long time with no problem, then bam, same as you described.  I think some  cocobolo  may be worse than others, The only thing I can add to what gaduck said is coat exposed skin with a solution of baking soda and water.  I don't know if it is a coincidence or not but I have never had a problem when I took the time to do this, but most of the time I don't have a problem anyway. Go figure.  By the way, always use the dust mask, but especially with cocobolo." Re: Allergic Reaction "I too experienced an allergic reaction to cocobolo. I turned the stuff for 12 years before I had any problems with it. 6 months later I was diagnosed with a liver disease. Make sure you use a respirator when turning and finishing. The thin little paper dust masks don't offer too much protection. You get what you pay for. It costs a little extra to get fit tested, but in my opinion, is well worth it.

Troy" Re: Allergic Reaction "Thanks for all the information, does anyone run a air filtration system like jet or delta has in their shop, seems like this might help, they say completely exchanges the air in 20x20x8 room every 5 minutes, kind of pricy at 400.00 but maybe worth it." Re: Allergic Reaction "Whats your health worth.  Talk to your DR before you turn anymore. Use a different material.  Don' t take your early warning signs lightly.  How many more ways can I say it.  You can get a full respirator face mask that filter all air you breathe but do you really want to do that?  Don't give up making calls just switch materials, coccobolla isn't the only wood. Beleive me I know, I have develped such a reaction to it I can't even handle rough stock.  " Re: Allergic Reaction "I have an air filtration system by Delta in my shop. It will change the air in my shop about ten times an hour. I also have a delta four bag dust collector and on my lathe I have a Jet 650 cfm dust collector for sanding. I wear a A.O.S. dust mask when I turn or sand. With all this I will not turn coco for stoppers. Wenge,Purpleheart,Ironwood,and many other woods make great stoppers and are safer to work.
Winelaketurner" Re: Allergic Reaction "I ought to start charging more for my cocobola calls, since the callmakers who can turn it are in such short supply  ;D

I've only experienced a rash once and it was from a particularly oily (still a bit green) piece.  But then, I rarely break out from contact with poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc. and I've been in plenty of it!  Moisture like sweat will help the irritants get into your skin, so keep yourself dry.

A respirator is a good investment no matter what type of wood you are turning.  It won't prevent contact dermatitis from exposure to cocobola, but it will save your lungs.

" Jason Re: Allergic Reaction "Jason,

I used to be just like you 10 or more years ago. Never reacted to poision ivy etc. Worked with lots of coccobolla, then had a few contact dermititis issues just like you talk about esp. when sweating. Covered up used rubber gloves, respirator whole 9 yards contiued to work with it.  Managed the problem, but one day wham , I break out even if I just touch a unturned piece of wood, can't even blow a coccobolla call..
Be careful, you look like a young guy and are making some nice calls.  It can get to you over time.  Thanks for a great site.
DucterJim" Re: Allergic Reaction "Okay, I now have a air filtration device, dust collector, and duel cartridge respirator by 3M, changed wood. If this doesn't work I'm going back to fishing during the off season, If I have any $$$ left.







 ;) ;) ;) ;)" Got hacked and still PO"ed "Sitting there minding my own business Sunday night and all of a sudden a message "You've been hacked" appears  on my screen. Then it goes on to talk about greedy corporate so and so's. Jason, I didn't know you were a greedy corporate so and so, I thought you were Baptist.  Anyway, I hope none of you other guys experienced this aggravation. I'm thinking field dressing would be an appropriate punishment. Little bas---d probably  doesn't know what a duck call looks like. Still have to use MSN or Google search to gain access to this site. Can any of you compooper dudes help me fix this malady." GAduck Re: Got hacked and still PO"ed "Methodist actually (I like to dance)  ;D

Apparently the server that this site is hosted on was hacked Sunday.  The webhosting admins didn't notify me until today!

The server was upgraded, and patched, and I have replaced all damage" Re: Got hacked and still PO"ed "AMEN !!!  Herb Parsons the late, great Trapshooter said , "Hunt with your boy so you won't have to hunt for him."

50 year old wisdom still as good today and it was when Ike was in office.

I really enjoy this site and all the help. Thanks for taking care of "bidness" as we call it over here in GA. " GAduck Re: Got hacked and still PO"ed "Amen Brutha!!!
Im a victim of the "worst case" scenario.

Chew tobaccer, adicted to sunrises, cold wet mornings, whistling wings, wet dogs, and all those things....  Guess its better than being wanted by the cops......... BY FAR!!!!!!

Wade
" Re: Got hacked and still PO"ed AMEN Brother Stanard ... Preach on. Stabilized Wood Where would I locate a good sorce for domestic stabilized wood. Would like to try some even though I know it's expensive. Saw on another chat page about (younghippie) but phone calls and e-mails have had no response.

Thanks Re: Stabilized Wood "YoungHippie has some awesome looking pieces.  He's found a niche that was previously lacking for callmakers.  I really like his idea to partner with popular callmakers.  

I've been working alot at my REAL job, (the one that pays the bills) so  I haven't been on the other boards in a while.  YoungHippie was a popular guy though, so I'm sure if you asked around, someone could put you in touch with him." Re: Stabilized Wood "I too, have had problems getting e-mails answered but I saw where YH is having a few personal problems right now. Just give him a little time. I have talked to him in the past and he seems like a stand up guy. Just wait a while longer and try again." Re: Stabilized Wood "I agree that Young Hippie has some awesome wood available, but I have done business with Mike at Wood Stabilizing Specialists Int'l and he has some nice wood also. I do business with him mostly because I like to ship my wood to him and have it stabilized. Visit his website at http://www.stabilizedwood.com or give him a call at 1-800-301-9774.

Troy" Gander_Magic Re: Stabilized Wood Here's a pic of part of the last batch that I had stabilized. These blocks are birdseye maple burl. [img]http://www.marshallnet.com/~tcduff/pics/beburlx4a.jpg[/img] Re: Stabilized Wood how much did it cost to have your wood stabilized and how long did it take? Re: Stabilized Wood "The cost depends on how much you send them to do. The last batch I sent them was around $120. There were 14 blocks and the weight before processing was 5.2 lbs. The weight after processing was 11.8 lbs. They charge by the post processed weight of the wood, so it was $10/lb. Not all wood doubles in weight, but I have found that maple usually does. Most of the time, the wood comes back in 10-14 days.

Troy" Gander_Magic Re: Stabilized Wood Does anyone know if cedar can be stabilized.....I love the way it looks...but it would be nice if it was a little more dense!!! ??? Re: Stabilized Wood I have boiled my Cedar inserts in Linseed oil. This will stabilize them.  The concept of boiling is a gross misnomer.  It is not the roaring boil that you envision when boiling hotdogs or spaghetti.  You put  your wood into a small pot and with a small flame allow the oil to become less viscous and seep through the wood. Use  a meat thermometer and  don't allow the oils' temperature to rise above 10 degrees higher than the temperature at which you see the bubbles. The bubbles which I refer to are like the small bubbles seen when you pour a Coke. Don't allow the oil to burn or turn color. After the wood cools it can be polished with a fine powder and Linseed oil. This is the manner in which Tom Turpin and Earl Dennison made their calls. Re: Stabilized Wood "GaDuck, what type cedar are you using, and are boiling before or after insert is cut." Re: Stabilized Wood "Aromatic Cedar liberated from the woods of Georgia. ;D   I allowed it to dry for a year in my basement. The inserts were boiled after being cut.  And yes, it will shrink, so go slow. Probably wouldn't hurt to have a micrometer handy." Re: Stabilized Wood "I must have read your post wrong...

I boiled my hotdogs and spagetti in linseed oil, but they didn't taste very good.  I think I'll use water from now on...even if it is the way Tom Turpin and Earl Dennison made their lunch.  ;D ;D" Re: Stabilized Wood This is the first I've heard of boiling wood to stabilize it. How long do you boil it in the linseed oil and does it harden softer wood in this process? Are you using an outdoor cooker or is your wife borrowing you the kitchen? Thanks Re: Stabilized Wood I boiled the cedar for approximately 30 minutes on a gas grill in one of my wife's high dollar pots. It's easier to control the temperature this way. It leaves a nice orange ring in the pot. The wife loved it. It will make the wood much harder to the point that it takes a fair amount of pressure to make an indention with a thumb nail. My only attempt at using an outdoor cooker resulted in a nicely scaled down version of the original that looked like a charcoal briquet. It sounded like Mini-Me's duck call. Of course this was after I had done all the checkering on a nice piece of walnut. Re: Stabilized Wood "A few more questions, does the linseed oil fully penetrate the wood? If not how far will it infuse into the wood? Could one do this prior to turning the call?" Re: Stabilized Wood That is a question I had also..... ??? Re: Stabilized Wood "In all honesty, I don't know. As you can imagine I wasn't interested in cutting a call I had already tuned in order to find out how far the oil had penetrated.  It stands to reason that cedar being a very soft and very porous wood will be easily penetrated but, I have nothing scientific to base this upon." goose calls guys i am going to attempt to make a canada call and was wondering can you make the call with a insert like an arkansas style call or does it have to be a 3 piece insert like seems to be the norm? Re: goose calls Oh by the way I have a new call out that was really fun to make and seems to be selling very well.  Never would have thought it but I made a custom crow call a few weeks ago out of cedar and it turned out awesome.  I have about 15 to make for different people now I knew about the locater type for turkeys but it seems that there is a new trend around here several town have started crow tournaments and these guys are serious kind of like a bass tournament for birds :D Re: goose calls "If you find the answer to this let me know.  I asked about that earlier and never really found the answer i was looking for, but I may not have asked it right.
I like my Arkansas style goose call, and so do many people,. and I havent heard the complaints I thought Id hear about the thing not being adjustabel enough.

Who knows..

Wade
" Re: goose calls "Arkbuck, are you making your own mouthpieces or using a manufacturers? I love to make crow calls but still struggling with making my own mouthpieces.Any tips would be appreciated.Thanks! :)" Re: goose calls I am making my own but from measurements taken from a call a friend had it is an lod call and we dont even know who made it.  I am still trying to perfect the process but is you have any pecific questions let me know.  the hardest thing for me now is getting the mouth piece split exactly down the middle. Banded Calls "I have noticed that some of the call makers, like Doc Hull use a very fancy band on their calls, look's like they have engraving on them, where could I look for some of these, have been buying brass from Hut. You know my wife say's I never perfect one thing before I move to another project, that reminds me turkey season open's in 6 weeks, maybe I'll try a box call." Re: Banded Calls I did a box call and a slate call last year right before turkey season - just to try something new.

I might start making alot more.  They were fun and relatively easy to make.  

It needs to stop raining so much if I'm going to be able to hunt turkeys this year...my spot is probably under water right now. Tacking brass bands Whats the best way to tack brass bands. I want to do this after glueing? Re: Tacking brass bands "Ive used brass screws, and filed em down to smooth.
" Re: Tacking brass bands "Sense I started using an industrial epoxy from 3m I don't tack them or have to pound them on. I have used the stuff on cocco,koa, maple, ebony have had it on some calls for over 6 years and no problems.  Pm me if you want the number, I will have to go find a tube in the shop, and it is all torn up now as I am moving into newer quarters. Only problem might be it drys a gray color and it you edges are exposed might be visiable. On my style call not a problem as all the edges are hidden. How do you guys get the bands to stay on acrlic?  
DuckterJim" Re: Tacking brass bands I spent a long time glueing the bands on my calls and finally broke down and started pressing them on.  It is by far the best way to do it. stays on acrylic and wood and can be pressed on in a bench vise. Re: Tacking brass bands "I was using gorilla glue, but lately I've been heating the band with a torch, slip it on the barrel and squirt a little water on it. It sucks down tight if you have the diameter of your wood just right and now I don't walk around all day with brown gorilla hands. :P" Re: Tacking brass bands "Those Gorilla stains are terrible!  The first time I used the stuff, I read the warning but thought little of it.  The next day, I had a hard time explaining to everyone at work that I DID wash my hands a million times already!  ;D" Re: Tacking brass bands "Acetone works great to remove it,but it is very hard on the hands. Drys them out so I use hand cream right away. " Re: Tacking brass bands rubber gloves are the way to go with gorilla glue.  A box of surgical gloves from the drugstore is cheap protection. Re: Tacking brass bands "I have been tacking them in addition to glue. Does the gorilla glue need much time to cure? I though the gorilla glue was for wood to wood applications, how does it hold up to weather extremes?" Goose flute Whats the trick of drilling the long hole for the barrel of a goose flute? What dia. is commonly used? Re: Goose flute "Bore the blank on the lathe with a bradpoint bit and then turn it on a mandrel.  Thats the best way I know of.  from what I have heard, 5/8" seems to be the most common size.
Hope that helps.
Wade
" Another Newbie seeks help in PA "Hi All,  I have been reading through this board for a few days, have been very impressed, and am ready to take the plunge.  I think I have found enough information to get me started and to spend most of my available $$$.  I am wondering if there are any call makers out there from Eastern PA or New Jersey (I live in Bucks Co, PA) who would be willing to show me the ropes some Saturday morning to help me get jump started.  Please e-mail me.  Thanks." Another newbie seeks help "
 

Hi All,  I have been reading through this board for a few days, have been very impressed, and am ready to take the plunge.  I think I have found enough information to get me started and to spend most of my available $$$.  I am wondering if there are any call makers out there from Eastern PA or New Jersey (I live in Bucks Co, PA) who would be willing to show me the ropes some Saturday morning to help me get jump started.  Please e-mail me.  Thanks.  


" Last chance for CAll Boxes "Guys, here your last chance for duck call boxes. They are about to run them so if anyone else wants them get you order in by march 6. Thanks" Re: Last chance for CAll Boxes "Rivermallard, have tried 3-times to send order, but for some reason it won't go. Send me e-mail to roddtran@hotmail.com will then place order.
Thanks" Re: Last chance for CAll Boxes "No wonder I can't get it to go through, can't even type my own e-mail right. rosstran@hotmail.com" Re: Last chance for CAll Boxes I just e-mailed you. let me know if you get it. If not go to my website and click on my e-mail address and see if that works. rivermallard.com Questions "Looking at this site for some time and haven't posted much but I do have some questions from some of you.

What is your 3 favorite types of wood to turn for calls based upon price, beauty, sound, durability etc.?

What type of finish do you prefer and why?

I been trying to turn some barrels and made alot of small firewood so far but at least am having a blast doing it.  I have tried drilling holes for inserts and not working out too well.  Oh well one of these days. :D" Re: Questions "Well Ken where should I start, have been doing this for about a year now. As far as wood goes, cocabola is beautiful but make me break out, african black wood, but plain looking. pink ivory, but cry  everytime I mess up. I guess zebra & bacote& maple are my favorite. Tools; 3-lathes,2-bandsaws,mitre saw,2-drill press's,
table saw, belt sander, 5 tone board jig's. Mostly table top models. Now that my new shop is about done with more room, will need MORE POWER uhg uhg uhg.

Good Luck
P.S. I THINK I JUST ABOUT HAVE IT FIGURED OUT NOW ;D ;D ;D" Re: Questions "Bocote is a good wood to tinker with and start with, has some good charateristics and some that arent but can be overlooked.  Another one is blood wood.  Both are fairly cheap and pretty and you wont go broke if you botch some turnings.
I can get Bocote in 1.5" x 12" sticks for 3.50 each incase youre intersted.  Bloodwood Ill ahve to check the most current price....

Good luck

Wade" Re: Questions "Wade, would buy some bloodwood  turning stock, haven't had any luck finding it, bought a call the other day with bloodwood stopper really liked it.

Thanks " Re: Questions "My favorite woods are plastic, UHMW or Delrin, or Acrylic.  I too am allergic to coccobolla.  For practice i suggest either maple, or walnut.  Both make fine calls and are fairly inexpensive. Just get as big a board 6/4 thick you can afford and wack it up into turning blanks. You will have plenty of time to work on the exotic stuff when you have your processes down. For finish I like to use a sealer of some sort followed by carnuba wax, all done on the lathe for wood calls. Plastics I just sand and polish.  Are you drilling your barrels first then turning on a mandrel?? " Re: Questions "I bought a cheap lathe to "play" with and have been turning barrels on an oak dowel turned down.  My lathe does not have morse tapers on it.  I have talked to Wade to some extent and learned a great deal about calls from him.  I don't have a good way to drill inserts exactly in the center.  I do have a small drill press and am coming up with a plan I hope.

I really posed this question as I wanted to see what everyone's favorite material was to make a call out of.  So far I have turned some birdseye maple which I really like cause of the pattern, some regular hard maple which is nice, some buried hedge which I really really like, some aged hedge and walnut.  Tried some Helmsman spar urethane to coat with as can not find any wax nor do I know what kind to get." Re: Questions "See above Carnuba Wax, try woodcrafters or rockler." Re: Questions "My favorites are cocobola, hedge and bocote.  

I like cocobola for the spicy smell and the awesome figures that vary from one blank to another.  With most woods, one call will look almost identical to another.  Not so with cocobola.<" Re: Questions I use trewax floor wax with carnuba in it.  Thats my favorite finish for most any wood but lignum.
I get it at the hardware store in the paste form

Wade
Re: Questions I found some of that trewax today at the hardware store.  Will have to try it.  How many coats do you apply?  Also how do you all like cedar?  My buddy cot down some small cedar last week (5" up to 13" dia).  Is there anything special that needs to be done to it?  I am planning on cutting it in smaller pieces and don't know how long it will take to dry.  Any suggestions on how to dry it faster?  Thanks all for the replies so far. Re: Questions How ever many coats you have patience for.  I usally stop at 3 but have done many more on "show calls"

I know very little to nothing on drying wood... sorry
Wade
Re: Questions "Dang busman, I need to just sell all my junk and take up shop with you. Sounds like you've got all the tools x 3. ;D

Quonk needs to give us the scoop on finishing.
All of his calls look [i]glass[/i] coated." flatlander Re: Questions I can get you some blood wood with my next stock order from my supplier if you want.  they will be 1.5" x 24" sticks and I can get em for 7.50 ea.  let me know so I can add the necessary amount tom my order here in the next couple weeks.  
Wade
Mylar "FYI.  I saw a post somewhere on this site about GE Polymershapes as a source for Mylar.  I went to their site (www.gepolymershapes.com), searched around for Mylar, and eventually arrived at a questionaire.  I filled out the form and within a few days recieived a Free sample of 3 8x10 sheets of  0.01" mylarA.  I haven't tried it for reeds yet, but it looks and feels pretty good and the price was right.  Unfortunately, I already had ordered some from Hut and paid outrageous shipping costs, but at least I will be able to do a comparison.  Just thought someone might be interested.  Sorry I don't have the link but you should be able to find it if I did." Re: Mylar "Sounds like you hit the jack pot...
What a deal.
Still no takers locally to you huh?  Too bad.  If youre ever in the Colorado area, give me a jingle maybe we can get together.

Wade" Re: Mylar "Wade, Yea, I was a little surprised that nobody in my area responded, but in the mean time I have jumped in with both feet and should have my first call quacking shortly.  Thanks for the offer to visit you in Colorado sometime.  I never know where my business travels will take me, so it could happen some day.  This board has been a great resource to get me started in call making and I'm sure I'll have more questions as I progress.   " Paraffin Boiling "Hi Guys , was just wondering about the practise of boiling call wood in paraffin . I s this the same parraffin oil , I see on the pharmacy shelves ? Also , is the lumber boiled before or after making the call ?
And how long is the wood boiled for ?

Django" Re: Paraffin Boiling "I've never heard of boiling wood in parraffin as a finish. When drying wood, the end grain is sealed to prevent or reduce checking during drying.  This can be done by dipping the end in melted wax, coating with carpenters glue, or painting. Hope that helps." Re: Paraffin Boiling "bo-whomp, I have a lot of bodarc and hackberry on the ranch, so all I need to do is cut the section I want and dip ends in wax, do you just leave the bark on it. I have over 8 miles of  15 yr. old bodarc/barbwire fence next time i'm there going to pull up a post and see what the bottoms look like." Re: Paraffin Boiling "With green wood I would at least cut the  wood in sections lengthways, to allow moisture to escape.  Taking the bark off the sides of the sections is not neccesary but will speed drying.  With the posts, they will be dry and endgrain checking won't be a problem until you start cutting them up. I have had old wood check and split after it was cut and put up to store.  So I would coat the end of the posts as well after cutting them.  Those posts should be real good material regardless of whether the bottoms have darkened.  Let me know how it comes out." Re: Paraffin Boiling "My dad will soak calls in hot (almost boiling) mix of bee's wax and walnut oil, or other variations.  Doesnt shine a lot but very pretty and durable.  I do a heat wax application on my calls, I use carnuba and get the wax hot and then put pressure on the rag to make more heat when applying the wax, that seems to make it really soak in, and bring out the grain, not to mention shines up nice once its dry and cool.

Wade
" Re: Paraffin Boiling "Guys , GA duck , described a process of stabilizing wood by immersing lumber in not quite boiling linseed oil . I think use of paraffin is is for the stabilization method. I was looking about in some of the Pro Call makers sites and saw reference to this method . I did not book mark the section and now I can't locate it , but I will .I recall the name "Dennison "being mentioned in the article.
Down here , in the southern hemisphere we use the same methods for treating freshly felled lumber . I use a product called " Log End Sealer " a water based wax that seals end grain really well .Most of the lumber I buy has been completely immersed in hot wax by the timber merchants and I have rarely had a piece with bad cracks .

django" Volume control? "Well, I made my first call and after tinkering for several hours was actually able to get a duck sound.  Unfortunately, I am a bit dissapointed with the volume and would appreciate advice on how to increase it.  The insert is a piece of wood I grabbed out of a scrap box at a local shop.  It has about the same density as cocobola, but is a bit more yellow.  The reed that gave me the best sound is rather short and wide.  Initially I had difficulty blowing air through the call because the reed locked down.  I deepened and lengthened the tone channel some and worked on the curvature of the insert until I got a decent duck sound.  Is it possible to make it louder?  Thanks for your help.  

Rob" Re: Volume control? Sounds to me that you need less back pressure. I had the same problem when I first started out. Just bore out the end of you insert more and see if this helps. Re: Volume control? "Thanks RiverMallard.  A gave your advice a try and the call is now a lot louder.  Still not perfect, but hey, it's my first attempt!" Re: Volume control? Glad to hear it. That first couple calls sure can be frustrating. Alternative to Acrylic "Have been buying some material from a hobby shop here to build some pen's. They call it acrylic but its not the same material that I have used on duck calls, smells like fiberglass resin, has swirls running all through it. Very pretty but can only buy it in 3/4x3/4" sticks. does anyone know what this is and where to purchase it." Re: Alternative to Acrylic "Best place I know to try is Hut Products, they have a lot of the pen making supplies and materials as well as call making blanks.  There seems to be some crossover in materials.  There are a lot of pen making materials that look like they could make neat calls. Let us know what you find. " Bands Whay is your favorite material for bands on a call?  I found a pretty cheap (free) source for 1" O.D. aluminum tubing.  A friend had donated a tent for the scouts and the tent was not worth keeping but somehow I managed to keep the aluminum poles.  Forgot all about it till the other day and wondered how it would work.  Turns out it works excellent and could possibly spare some if somebody wants some.  Kinda new at trying to turn calls and would like to help out other newbies first. Re: Bands "Ken isn't it amazing the possibilities out there, was sitting in a classy eating joint the other day and saw a chair leg I would like to get my hands on. Does anyone know where to find those classy engraved bands like Doc Hull uses, got some very exspensive stabilized wood that I would like to have some for." Re: Bands "Busman, just give doc a call or an e-mail. He might be willing to sell you some. Another one to try is taylor talkers. Troy makes some fancy bands also. It dont hurt to try, and the most there gonna say is no. Doug" Re: Bands "Just checked and have over 30 feet of 1" O.D. and quite a bit of 7/8" O.D.  It is pretty thick but don't have exact measurements.  If you want some let me know and just pay shipping, shouldn't be very much.  I will cut it into 12" lengths unless otherwise specified.  Makes a pretty band and really cheap for new guys learning and screwing up (like me)." Re: Bands " Ken, sounds like youll be in bands til heck wont have you!
Its amazing the "junk" that is another mans good mine.  Like farmers and their Osage Orange fence posts.

Aint this stuff fun!!

Wade
" Re: Bands I have been ordering my tubing from

http://www.onlinemetals.com

Two tubes at 1.25"x12" one aluminum & one brass is only $9.36 + shipping.

I have used aluminum tubing from tents & such but I like my bands a little bigger. The above is the same size as Huts bands but two bands will cover the cost of one tube which should make you at least 24 bands. I get around 30 bands out of one tube. Acrylic vs. Delrin "Can someone explain the diff. between delrin and acrylic, for duck calls, and working with it." Re: Acrylic vs. Delrin "Dlerin is a whole different mule when it comes to call making.

Acrylic is harder, more brittle, and can be polished to a mirror finish.  Its more finicky about being bored, and heat is y our MAJOR enemy.  There are many color oprions with" Re: Acrylic vs. Delrin "Wade, Where you suggest I start looking for delrin, checked e-bay with no luck??????" Re: Acrylic vs. Delrin "Busman

Check below link they have it all including reed material and acrylic.
http://www.gepolymershapes.com/pshapes/geps/index.jsp

Probably even send you a sample, do a search for the material you are looking for.

I really like " Re: Acrylic vs. Delrin "I have finished Delrin with a clear gloss DEFT lacquer.  It sticks as well as wood as far as I can tell, but I haven't had the Delrin call out in the elements yet." checkering cradle "I saw one of these on another web site but I can't find it now to give proper credit. Simple to make, just drill two 5/8" holes in the end pieces, then  use a 5/8" dowel to hold the barrel.  This makes it much easier to keep the barrel steady while you checker it!                                                                 [img]http://link.freepichosting.com/image.cgi/26903/0.jpg[/img]" Re: checkering cradle "Where can you find instruction on checkering, or do you just dive in  like I did on making calls." Re: checkering cradle "Oh man!  What a great Idea!  I struggle with checkering so much that I don't like to do it.  Something like that would be so helpful...and so easy to make.

There are books and videos on checkering if you actually want instruction  ;)

I ordered a small set of tools and a pamphlet (that they called a book) from Brownells.  The book was very simple, but it laid out the basics well enough to get started." Jig Pricing and features.... "Hey guys, I wanted to talk to you all a minute about jigs and jig pricing.  I have some questions and want to know what you think.  

1.  what is a reasonable price for a plain jane, sold to everyone jig?  I know HUTS is 189.99, " Re: Jig Pricing and features.... #1:Purchased hut for 189.00 (fair quality) and a whiskey river on e-bay for 125.00 (better than hut). Fair Price would be from $150.00 to 200.00.
#2custom would be 275.00-325.00
#3Callmaker & Machinist
#4Anything that would require less hand tuning.
#5Some type of concave shape on screw end to better secure and protect toneboard.?????

Just my opinion as a business owner more than a experianced call maker. Re: Jig Pricing and features.... "Wade,

I  have a suggestion for you. Why not rent your generic jig to users for say 30 day period for $50/ with a $200 deposit.  If they deciede to keep it you sell it for the deposit.  That way guys like me that make a few calls could gear up and make a number of inserts and stockpile them. And not be out the big dollars on front. And you would be making $600 off one jig a year.  Might be a better decision to just sell a few, at $200 range and call it good. Depends what you are trying to accomplish, very small target market.  Whiskeyriver has them on E_bay at $125.  But don't know if it makes a call worth diddly. Thats one of the benefits of renting you can see if jig works in your hands and design.  
Me I have a old wood jig, but I am starting the switch to plastic guts and poly inserts, faster and easier in my old age. " Re: Jig Pricing and features.... "The machinist that made mine suggested doing something that I hadn't heard of before, but it worked out great.  

I sent him a toneboard to duplicate, and he machined the jig to roughly duplicate the radius of my toneboard.  He then sent it back to me without hardening the steel.  At his direction, I used the jig to make several inserts.  I basically smoothed and tuned the radius of the jig until it was exactly what I wanted.  I then sent it back to him to be hardened.
He even stamped into the side of the jig "Miss Mallard" - a nice touch for a custom jig.

The actual price that I paid is not comparable to a cash price, since it involved bartering  8)" Re: Jig Pricing and features.... "Another thought I had, as far as letting people hear the call before they bought the jig was to make a bunch of inserts out of dowels or 5/8" acrylic rod.  Then if someone wanted to hear the call, for a deposit, I would send them the keg made fr" Re: Jig Pricing and features.... Wade

You are right on track with the idea to let people hear and try the insert before buying. You have solved one of the bigger objections to purchasing a fairly expensive item.   Re: Jig Pricing and features.... "Busman,
You mean something that doesnt mar the outter surface of the keg that is inside the barrel?  The set screw mark, is what Im assuming you would like to eliminate?

Just curious.  My design that is inside the barrel anyway and has no significance in my mind.  But thought I should clarify.

Thanks
Wade
" Massey finish Anyone ever tried what is called a "Massey finish".  A buddy told me about it and is popular with bow makers.  Take 2 ton epoxy and mix with acetone at a ratio of 1 part epoxy to 5 parts acetone.  Supposed to be really durable and add strength.  Gonna try it but was asking if anyone has tried it. Re: Massey finish Id be interested to hear how it turns out.

Wade
Re: Massey finish Test #1 turned out really well.  I used a little bit of two ton epoxy (the 2 part kind in the syringe) into a little cup and added acetone.  I applied with one of those cheap sponge brushes.  It dried to a beautiful clear finish.  I then put it back on my lathe and used 0000 steel wool lightly and it looks awesome.  This is some strong stuff.  I aplied some to a piece of 1/8 inch walnut.  The strip was 2 inches wide and only covered half of it.  When it dried I tried to break it and it borke where the epoxy was not applied.  That little strip of 1 inch wide where the epoxy was was really tough to break.  One thing is when you apply it get it on the first swipe and do not go over it again until dry.  I think the website is www.bowsite.com.   More lathe questions...... "To begin my quest on turning calls I've been doing a lot of homework on lathes. I'm now in question about the morse tapers. Is there a better selection of tools and inserts for a #1 or a #2? Would I be able to find most of the things I need in a MT #1? I see lathes both ways, what gives?

Also a little on duplicators. It seems it'd be to my best interest to purchase a duplicator. After I finally get a call that has the shape and sound I like I'd want to duplicate it. How are the duplicators? Can you cut acrylic or delrin succesfully with a duplicator?

" Re: More lathe questions...... "Go #2 MT, its much more common and gives you a lot more rood to do things, like tapered shank drill bits.  They dont amke a 5/8" one in #1 MT, only #2.
AS for the duplicator, save the money at first and tinker without one, then see if you really think you need one when youget a few done and are used to the priocess.

Wade
" Re: More lathe questions...... "Ditto everything Wade said.  Unless you wanting to make an awfully lots calls I doubt you will find a use for a duplicator.  You just make a profile of the call you like and turn to it. Or take measurements one of your calls and cut parting line and turnem.  But you will probably be like me after you do a few dozen you will just do it by eyeball, none of the calls are exactly the same but hard to tell.  Seems more custom that way to me.  " Re: More lathe questions...... "Thanks, I guess I thought the duplicator "cutter" would turn down the acrylic easier and more precise. Sounds to me like it's a real pistol to turn the acrylic with wood tools. I don't really care about acrylic barrels. I just like the sound and consitency of acrylic inserts. I'll probably get a lot of delrin inserts under my belt way before I ever try acrylic. I do like the look and colors of the acrylic rod but all I really care about is getting a good sound. I can play with the "show boat" call material later. Thanks for the help." Re: More lathe questions...... "using a duper for acrylic might be handy, but a good one is a chunk of money, and you may not want to mess with it or may not like it then you have a spendy piece of equipment doing nothing.  For the price of a good duper, you can get a little metal lathe and use it on arcylic to rough out the shape and clean it up with the wood lathe, thats what I do.

Good luck
Wade
" Re: More lathe questions...... I personally use a duplicator to cut my calls I think it is a great way to go but as stated earlier a little pricey.  The dups I use cut with the same process as a metal lathe and cuts the acrylic really well  but it would be best it you learned to turn it on your own without one so you can learn and get used to the material. Metal reeds Have any of you guys used metal reeds? If so where did you get the material. I had just ordered some band material & I noticed thats what I put as the title to this thread. ::) Bull_Sprig Re: Metal bands "Hardened shim stock (stainless steel), from a machinist supply place would be the first place Id look if I were you...

Wade
" Re: Metal bands I have been looking at shim stock but I have been looking for brass. I was told they used brass reeds in the old days. I will try to get some stainless. THANKS! ;D Re: Metal reeds "I have many old calls in my collection that have brass metal reeds, I think herter's call use stainless.  So I think you could use either if you want.  But if they are anything like those old calls you have to be a better man than me to get them tuned. I think Hut Products sells a insert that uses metal reeds and possibly metal reeds themselves.  I am curious why you want to use metal reeds?  Trying to duplicate old calls or looking for an additional challenge?  I have enough trouble getting the mylar reeds to tune up.  " Re: Metal reeds I just have a hunting buddy that is in his sixties & he is always talking about the metal reeds & how great they where. He also tells me a thing or two about call making & tuning. He has never made a call but he has taken a file after the ones he has bought & filed down one side of the tone board.
Anyhow I just thaught I would make him one with a metal reed. Thanks for the info! ;D Lathes on Ebay. There's somebody on Ebay that has a bunch of the Delta midi lathes up for auction. I think the only kicker is the guy's in Canada. Probably a high shipping cost. There's also a bunch of really cheap small lathes. Maybe they could be used for polishing. Just thought I'd mention it. Drilling inserts? "I understand drilling the insert with the fixed Jacobs chuck on the tailstock is the only way to go for precision. How do you do it? I thought that most lathes would have enough travel in the tailstock. They don't. Do you actually run the tailstock travel as far as you can and then push the (unclamped) tailstock into the material? Or, do you move and reset the tailstock and use it's travel for drilling only? Clear as mud? I think you'll understand what I'm talking about. The tailstock travel was another thing I am looking at before I buy a lathe. " Re: Drilling inserts? "Push the unclamped tailstock.  You'll burn the wood and probably bind the bit in the hole if you don't back the bit out to clean the shavings (you won't be able to do that if you reset the tailstock and reclamp).  If you start by clamping and drill as far as your travel will allow, you should have a good straight bore which will help to keep the bit going in the right direction when you let the tailstock loose." Checkering tools "Now that I have completely and accurately mastered the reproduction of the mallard hen's entire vocabulary using a piece of wood and some mylar  ;D, I'm wanting to try my hand at checkering.  I've bid on a few sets on ebay, but like a lot of things there they sell for more than what I can buy them new for.

The two primary choices in new ones seem to be Dembart and Gunline.  Anybody have any thoughts in which is better and which sets to get, i.e., the pro sets with 6 or so tools or the other with 3-4? " Re: Checkering tools I use the 6 piece set from Dembart in 20 LPI. About wore the set out and need to get a new set. Never tried the Gunline but I am sure they would be good as well. Re: Checkering tools "20 LPI will make a pretty tight checker pattern.  You might try a little bigger size to start out with.   DemBart makes a tool with changable heads, so you could learn on a three piece set in something like 14 LPI, then when you think you're a master you can buy replacement heads with more lines per inch for less than a whole new tool.

With a three piece set, you will most likely need to change the heads a few times to finish a design, so the bigger set might be worth the extra money." Re: Checkering tools hey I have a set of six gunline checkering tools that I am willing to sell you for $50 it is a set of 6 tools has the ruler with it and i have the instructions as well. Email me or pm me if you are interested.  I think they are 20 lpi Lathe question #999 Does anyone used one of the small metal lathes by harbor freight or grizzly and do you turn wood on it?  Looking at getting a better lathe cause I can't get my holes drilled straight in my inserts.  Like the idea of those small metal lathes as can do more on them.  Don't think they have as high RPM though. Re: Lathe question #999 "Ive seen them and tinkered with em in the store, but dont know one of those.  The accuracy is okay for what we call makers do, so it might not be a bad 369.99 to spend.  It willb e very handy with acrylic if you go to that.  It isnt near as nice to do "free hand" type stuff, but you can re mount it in the wood lathe when you need to do that.  I cut the 5/8" portion of the kegs on a metal lathe and then turn the visible part on the wood lathe while holding the 5/8" part in a drill chuck on the head stock.  Hadny little critters to have.

Wade
" Re: Lathe question #999 "Ken, I have a small central mach. from hardor frieght, use it to turn my tone boards with, the 5/8" part and the rough in the decorative end, then finish with wood files and sand paper. Have even been turning ink pens on it lately, more precise than I can do by hand." Call Tuning I have to admit I'm not sure I even know how to tune a call. I have made several calls & I have had several people tell me how to tune them but it seems folks have many differant ways. ???
I was just wondering what exsactly is the proper way to tune a call? :-/ Re: Call Tuning "I think a lot of people have a misconception of what "tuning" is. Tuning is not the goal, but the methods used to get there. The goal is to get the sound and performance that the call blower is looking for. Getting there will involve using some " Re: Call Tuning "welcome aboard Rock Creek, nice post on an impossible subject. You gave a very precise and good summary on methods.  Mine would go more like you keep messing around with everything and blowing until you like it or you throw it away.  I can tell you have probably thrown away a few in your day just like all of us.  I ve been doing this for about 20 years and have a call right now that I am about to the throw away stage, same call I have made a 100 time but this one about has me whipped. " Re: Call Tuning All I'm saying is that in my case everyone I give a call or talk to about calling "knows how to tune a call". I was talking to a buddy yesterday when I went to cut some Bois Darc & he was telling me how he wanted his next call. Then he goes Re: Call Tuning "I am far from an expert but I think it goes something like this, clip-clip, file-file, sand-sand, drill-drill, ream-ream, a few cuss words in there if the kids are not present, then repeat process,
your either proud of the call or you start over. ;D ;D ;D" Wood Sealer "What is best for sealing grain in wood, have been using a super glue type product does a wonderful job but the fumes from it are killing me, got to try somthing else." Re: Wood Sealer "Busman,

That super glue is not good for your health.. About 5 years ago I started using "Behlen Wood Turners Finish".  I love it, it has some kind of solvent and sealer along with carunaba wax.  I think I got it at WoodCrafters," What's been keeping me busy "It's taken me about seven months working only on the weekends and the occasional free afternoon to get to this point.  That seems like a lot of workdays, but for at least two months, it rained EVERY weekend.  There was also duck season to get in the way ;)
[center]
[img]http://www.missmallard.com/images/shop2_sm.jpg[/img]
[size=1][b]The new Miss Mallard Headquarters[/b][/size][/center]

It's 14X20 with a 8X14 office.  There is an attic over the shop part.  I have to finish trimming and painting the outside, then have electric service run to the building.  Some insulation and sheetrock on the walls and ceiling, and I'll be back in business!" Re: What's been keeping me busy "SHOOOO-EEEEEEE
You sure are moving right up in the world!!  Im still working out of the mud room in the house....  Good thing i dont mid dust, and dont have a wife, or Id be worm food!

Looks good.  When youre done you can come build me one too if you like. ;-)

Wade
" Re: What's been keeping me busy "Jason,
Looking good put up some pics when you get moved in, I want to see all your toys.  Do plan on having dust collection?

I have been working the last year on my new dream shop to support my hobbies of woodworking, boat building, and street rods.  Don't have digi camera or scanner so can't post any pics. " Re: What's been keeping me busy Thats great.  I got so tired of sharing the garage with my wifes car that when we move in may the new house I am building has a nice 12x26 bonus room over the garage that has my name all over it. Re: What's been keeping me busy "Cool, now take it all down and ship it to me ;D
Be sure to number all the pieces,ok?" Re: What's been keeping me busy Looks nice..if I knew how to post pics I would show ya'll my NEW to be headquarters. I was tired of not having enough space and started looking for something else to use.  ;D Re: What's been keeping me busy "DucterJim, How are you going to keep the dust off of those street rods?  ;D

My super secret motive for moving the shop out of the garage is to make room for the sailboat I've been wanting to build.

Shhh, don't tell anyone.  My wife doesn't know about it yet!

(Of course, since I don't have any boat building experience, I'll just HAVE to practice by building a sneak boat!)

Arkbuck,
make sure that you sell your wife on the idea of an UNFINISHED bonus room as early as possible.  Once she sees it with carpet, there's no going back.  ;)" Re: What's been keeping me busy Oh I have the builder is sheetrocking the walls and vinyl on the floors easy to clean with the dust collection port plumbed into the wall so the collector can stay downstairs in the garage. Re: What's been keeping me busy Looks good!

I'm still using the old wood shed behind my house.  It is getting kinda cramped though since it's only 8X16!  ;) Angle for Drill bits Acrylic and Delrin "I have searched but can seem to find post on angle needed on your drill bits for boring acrylic or delrin. I recall seeing a post about this but can't seem to find it now.  I have started using a lot of delrin and really like it have no problem drilling pilot holes with brad points, but when I use regular high speed bits to enlage hole it grabs to hard and is impossible to control as well as chatters on entry. I have three different ID, on my short reed call barrel and two on the duck call.  I make louisana type calls and have started using plastic guts.  Process works great in wood but its wild in delrin, and I am guessing acrylic will be even worse even thought I haven' tried it yet.

Thanks
DJ" Re: Angle for Drill bits Acrylic and Delrin "I buy my Delrin from Mcmaster & Carr, I see they also stock special bits with a steep point angle for plastics.
How about chucking reamers for enlarging? " Re: Angle for Drill bits Acrylic and Delrin "Look at this PDF file.

[url]http://www.missmallard.com/Acrylic_Tech_Brief_DRILLING.pdf[/url]

I can't remember where I found it, but it describes very well what type of bit to use.  Good luck purchasing one though.  I've only found bits for plastic applications in smaller sizes.

I've never looked into it, but I'm pretty sure that a regular bit can be reground to your specs." Re: Angle for Drill bits Acrylic and Delrin "Thanks Jason,

That was the link I was looking for.  I had seen it once before I think.  Have you seen reamers in large dia? I need 3/4" and 7/8", a tapered 7/8 to 5/8 of correct length would be great. But every time I have tried to fined them or get someone out here to make one, I get no where. Probably cheaper to get drill bit angle changed. " Re: Angle for Drill bits Acrylic and Delrin "Ducter
I can get most of what you want as far as reamers. all the way up to 2.00", the tapered one will be a different treat, and Im not so sure I can get those with out having one custom made.  Let me know if you want me to chase em.

Wade
" Oil finish on calls "I have been using a clear poly coating for a finish on all my calls.

Lately I have got it in my head that I want to make some cocobola calls with a hand rubbed oil finish.  I like the rich,dark color the cocobola takes on, but have also seen some done in a lighter finish.  I'm after a sort of soft lustre, not real shiny.

Have tried Tung oil, and it turns out nice, but takes forever to dry, and is actually a little shinier than I was after.

Is there anything else to try? What about teak oil?" Re: Oil finish on calls "See my response to Wood Sealer below. You don't need a oil finish on coccoboa, its plenty oily already.  The carnuba wax might be to glossy for what you want, but you can dull it by putting extra extra fine steel wool to it.  In fact you might like it just by polishing the wood down to 1000 grit and burnishing with some of the shavings held in your hand.  The behlin wood turners finish is about a 5 minute deal on the lathe. Any oil I know of will never complertly dry on coccobola and will attract dirt in my experience.  Good luck. " Re: Oil finish on calls "I use a carnuba floor wax, Trewax
If it gets too shiny, just rub it in your hands a bit and it will dull up for you.  Or on cocobola, have you tried no wax, just heat from polishing it with leather?  that will draw some resin up and creat a seal, but not be super shiny.

Wade
" Another insert question "I have been trying to create my first good sounding insert, and am still struggling.  I have gotten a couple to sound OK when I'm just holding the insert in my mouth, but when I put it in a barrel it locks down almost instantly.  The reed does not seem to be hitting the sides of the barrel.  Any ideas?

Thanks,

Rob" Re: Another insert question "More radius on the soundboard out from the cork, and a smooth arc with no sharp spots or obvious angle changes.  Also, take just a shade of just infront of the cork, that might help it loosen up a bit.

Wade
" Re: Another insert question "I'll back Wade up on each of those suggestions.  It sounds like the reed is not quite bending enough to create the spring needed to overcome the downward force so it locks against the toneboard.   Another suggestion might be to lengthen the insert bore a TINY bit.  

Try to document the changes that you make to the toneboard and what the outcome was.  You'll wish you did when you finally get it right, but can't explain why." Purple heart question "I recently picked up a few pieces of purple heart and have played with it a bit.  When I turn it, it turns brown.  It seems like some of the purple color comes back after it sits around for a couple days.  I would like to ultimately finish it with a few coats of tung oil and a coat of wax. Will I loose all of the purple color with this approach?  Is there any way to enhance the purple color?  Thanks for you help.

Rob" Re: Purple heart question "Heat is waht youre looking for, try getting it hot with a strap of leather.  That will bring out the purple.  How hot decides how deep and dark the purple.  I have also heard letting it sit in a sunny window cill will bringout the color but havent tried it.  But I think it will oxidize some with age no mater what you do, but might be worth a shot, thats what I do before I wax em.

Wade
" Single vs. double "All I have built so far is single reed, do you guys use the same tone board design on a double reed, same tone board jigg. What is the differnce in sound suppose to be, my deaf ear can't tell that much diff.????" Re: Single vs. double Its not the difference in the sound that makes the double popular.  It is the ease of operation.  Not that it is easy blowing but it is easier to blow.  You do not have to have as much dicipline in your air control to blow a double you can basicly blow into it as hard as you want without the dreaded squeal or as JJ says blow out. Re: Single vs. double "I make my doubles from the same jig.  The main difference is that the cork notch is slightly bigger to compensate for the added width of the second reed.  

It is pretty simple to convert a single to a double, but it will take a specially sized piece of cork to go from a double to a single." Website server/ISP issues.... "Well between my Server being down and the ISP going to speeds of 11k max from normal 600K, my website is next to impossible to get on.  Hopefully things will be squared away soon.  Ill be out of town the next few days, so that may prolong the solution, but Im doing my best to get back up and rolling again...  Thanks
Technoloy, such a fun thing sometimes....

Wade" 1st post...hey and all that... "Hey guys, found this site recently and have lurked a few times.  Being a callmaker myself for some years, there seems to be some good info here and some generous folks with the info.  Maybe I can chime in occassionally with something useful.  I will definitely have some questions!

I'm glad to see some people struggling with some of the same things I have, and continue to, struggle with.  Nice to know it's not just me! ;)

Allan" Re: 1st post...hey and all that... "Glad to have you aboard!!!  Look forward to hearing from you and getting all sorts of new stories and lies   ;D

Sincerely yours,
One of the many call making delinquents
Wade" Re: 1st post...hey and all that... Glad to have you Allan!

You don't have to be so modest.  I for one will be all ears if you have anything to say.  :)

Thanks for hanging around.

Jason