First Turning

[SavageHunter]

Well, I have threatening for about a year now to try and build a custom predator call...here is my first attempt.

I have never had any experience with a lathe before, so I would really like your honest opinions, and criticism is welcome. I seriously would like to hear what you all think.

This is my first turning





And this is my second attempt

[Bubba]

Those both look great! What did you use for a mandrel? Reed? How does it sound? did yu build your own tone board or use guts from another call?

[SavageHunter]

Thank you Bubba! I used a couple of different methods to turn the calls. I started with the calls on centers to round the stock up, then placed the round stock in a chuck to do most of the turning, and finished up on a pen mandrel.

Since this was my first time, I was trying different things to see which worked best for me.

The reed in the first call is a .002 Loud Voice Double Reed (LVDR002) from JC Products which has a nice raspy sound. The second call has a .002 Loud Voice Single Reed (LV.002). Both of these reeds produce a pretty good Jack Rabbit.

[Bubba]

How did you get the guts in the call since it looks like the call is one piece and not two pieces?
Here's a couple of websites that have good info on call turning.

www.customcalls.com
www.webfootcustomcalls.com

I'm going to start turning some goose calls one of these days.

[SavageHunter]

Bubba, the reeds lightly press into the call.

[DaveHawk]

That is a nice turning for a small piece. I usually use jewelers files to do my small lines and davits. They give cleaner edges. Then when all is just about done I will use 220 paper then 320 to get that little extra removed to make the body smooth and before I remove the piece I use a good wax for that shine and if it is to much a little brown paper bag will dull it down.

[silvertip]

whoa Son...if I let you touch my SBH will you make me one???

that is some pretty work...and I have been a woodworker for a long time...I have some nice burmese teak scraps that may be good for you...

what guts are you using??

keep up the good work...I think SW would like one too...nothing like going in style...

all the best...t

[SavageHunter]

Why, thank you Ted!

If you really would like me to make you one...just shoot me a PM.

The guts...is a JC Products reed (LVDR002), which I have tuned to my preference.