Who makes their own calls?

Centaur 1 · 01-01-2008, 06:33 PM

I got a jump on the upcoming season and I bought a handmade box call on e-bay. It was made by John DeArmond out of beautiful walnut and it was only $9.99. It sounds so good compared to what's commercially available and it looks like it would be pretty easy to make. Now I've been checking out web sites that supply everything needed to build your own box and slate calls. I have no idea where to start. I want to build a slate style call but I could use some instructions on how they're made and what's the best starting point for a beginner ( i've been hunting for 35 years but went on my first turkey hunt last spring, I'm hooked!). Should I start with slate, slate over glass, glass over glass, aluminum, copper and what the heck is a sounding board. I'm so confused.

Arrowmaster · 01-01-2008, 06:41 PM

Ive made a few slate calls. I used the older plastic skoal cans and some chalk board.I made the striker from a cedar limb. They sound pretty good...

learningturkeys · 01-01-2008, 06:49 PM

I've made my own box calls for a few years, using simple woodworking tools it's not too difficult. Making them sound right is harder, experience will help. It can be a good way to satisfy the turkey itch the next couple months. I have no experience with slate calls and would also like to hear from anyone who could help out.

Centaur 1 · 01-01-2008, 06:57 PM

Check this site out and let me know what you think.

http://brooksidegamecalls.com/

TPhunter · 01-01-2008, 07:08 PM

I've been making calls for over 16 years now and selling them for 10...Started out making box calls, switched topot style calls for 8 yearsand have recentlygone back to making box calls...Long boxes and Scratch boxes to be exact.

There are two ways to make pot style calls, either with a lathe or with a drill press...Neither way is easy, there are tolerances that have to be maintained, wall thickness', bottom thickness', distances between sound boards and striking surfaces...Using the proper glues...These all affect the sound of the call.

Here's a link to a site dedicated to making and collecting calls where you can ask questions about making calls:

http://www.customcalls.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

Arrowmaster · 01-01-2008, 07:15 PM

TPhunter do you have any pics of your calls. How much do you sell them for.

Centaur 1 · 01-01-2008, 07:20 PM

Thanks Tim, Those are some gorgeous calls that you make.

Check out Tim's work at.

http://www.tphuntercustomcalls.com/Home_Page.php

TPhunter · 01-01-2008, 07:25 PM

No problem and thanks for the compliment and thelink.

MKMGOBL · 01-01-2008, 09:47 PM

I make mouth calls and just recentlystarting turning pot calls, deer grunt tubes and crow calls. Fun stuff

ICALL2MUCH · 01-01-2008, 10:11 PM

Tim does beautiful work!!! I want a bomber bad!!

I have been making calls for the last 4 years and really enjoy it! Tim gave you guys a great website to help the learning curve for call making....
Not much quite like making a call that will fool Mother Nature!!!