TarheelTurkey
Six Pointer
Definitely miss visiting and talking with Lee. It was an honor to make the strikers for his she’ll calls over a few years. It was just fun going to sit in his call building and hang out and talk with Lee.
Handmade Turkey Calls
- Thread starter AGG
- Start date
waymoe1
Ten Pointer
AGG
Four Pointer
I ended up working on some scratch boxes this year, very happy with how they turned out. Used some different wood combos than I’ve tried before and I’m satisfied with the way they look and sound. If I can get around to it I’ll post some pictures.
Just for fun I was working on a couple of old designs for normal lid-over-box calls and got one sounding decent as well, definitely nothing to look at though.
Just for fun I was working on a couple of old designs for normal lid-over-box calls and got one sounding decent as well, definitely nothing to look at though.
KrisB
Twelve Pointer
Have you ever tried making wingbone calls, @AGG? I've got two wingbone calls that Lee (lasttombstone on the forum; he passed away almost 2 years ago now) made. One he had made himself and gifted to me and the other we made together in his shop (he was teaching me how to do it so I could make my own). I hope to use one or both of them this season.
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AGG
Four Pointer
I have not. I’ve seen a few videos on the subject and it looks interesting for sure. I think the wing bone calls are very neat, seems like that’s about as natural as it gets since it came straight from the bird itself. If I’m able to get one this year maybe I’ll save the wing bones for an attempt.
That’s a great story, those would definitely be special calls to hold on to. How fragile are wing bone calls?
AGG
Four Pointer
I enjoy small wood projects/carving as a hobby (never have enough time). The box calls fall right into that category for me and I definitely have fun making them, (tuning them can be frustrating). Never thought about pot calls, I don’t use them personally and don’t have the equipment for turning besides.
I like the wing calls I see, I don’t see many people use them in the field though. Seems like most just use a plain mouth call, to me working with the calls is part of why turkey season is fun and special. There’s just something about cutting through the early morning silence with a clean run on a box that gets me every time.
I like the wing calls I see, I don’t see many people use them in the field though. Seems like most just use a plain mouth call, to me working with the calls is part of why turkey season is fun and special. There’s just something about cutting through the early morning silence with a clean run on a box that gets me every time.
oldest school
Old Mossy Horns
Truth be known most really good turkey calls- the ones that are played and result in a lot of kills are “nothing to look at” either.
Kudos on getting one that will play. It can’t be easy to accomplish.
Alloy_Calls
Spike
I have been building pot calls for a good while now, since 2011.
I have been building good pot calls for a few years now.
There is a ton of good info out there on making wood pots, and most custom call makers are happy to share what they know with new call builders.
I know very little about cutting wood, which is by far the most common material used.
If I was going to go through the development process with wood, I would get a board of cherry wood and work with that until I got close. Some of the best wood calls I have ever heard were made from domestic hardwoods, not the expensive exotics.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a pretty wood pot, but it’s simply an expensive variable that new call makers don’t need.
First you need to find out how to make it sound good, then worry with making it pretty with your next build.
Plan on making a bunch of firewood. All good call makers go through this in the beginning.
My calls are all CNC machined from a solid billet of aluminum. To my knowledge, I’m the only one that does this.
Please don’t confuse “CNC machined” with mass produced. I use a CNC machine because my geometry snd tolerances can’t be produced with manual equipment.
Every one of my calls is painstakingly machined, built, and tested before being shipped. If I wouldn’t hunt the call, I don’t sell it. I would rather throw away 1,000 calls than ship a bad call.
Most wood pot guys can change their wood for a certain surface (glass, slate, aluminum, titanium, etc.).
I cannot easily do this with aluminum. I have to change my sound with the geometry of the pot. It took me a few hundred designs to find what I wanted. I went a few years making at least one new design a week.
I had weeks that I took a leap forward, and I had weeks that I leaped backwards.
I also sell supplies for pot calls (aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, glass, etc.)
If we have any members working on calls, please reach out to me.
Members of this forum can reach out to me and I will get you some samples shipped out for no charge.
Making money is NOT my main motivator. Anybody that knows me will say the same thing. My main motivation for doing things in life is to help people when I can.
I have been building good pot calls for a few years now.
There is a ton of good info out there on making wood pots, and most custom call makers are happy to share what they know with new call builders.
I know very little about cutting wood, which is by far the most common material used.
If I was going to go through the development process with wood, I would get a board of cherry wood and work with that until I got close. Some of the best wood calls I have ever heard were made from domestic hardwoods, not the expensive exotics.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a pretty wood pot, but it’s simply an expensive variable that new call makers don’t need.
First you need to find out how to make it sound good, then worry with making it pretty with your next build.
Plan on making a bunch of firewood. All good call makers go through this in the beginning.
My calls are all CNC machined from a solid billet of aluminum. To my knowledge, I’m the only one that does this.
Please don’t confuse “CNC machined” with mass produced. I use a CNC machine because my geometry snd tolerances can’t be produced with manual equipment.
Every one of my calls is painstakingly machined, built, and tested before being shipped. If I wouldn’t hunt the call, I don’t sell it. I would rather throw away 1,000 calls than ship a bad call.
Most wood pot guys can change their wood for a certain surface (glass, slate, aluminum, titanium, etc.).
I cannot easily do this with aluminum. I have to change my sound with the geometry of the pot. It took me a few hundred designs to find what I wanted. I went a few years making at least one new design a week.
I had weeks that I took a leap forward, and I had weeks that I leaped backwards.
I also sell supplies for pot calls (aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, glass, etc.)
If we have any members working on calls, please reach out to me.
Members of this forum can reach out to me and I will get you some samples shipped out for no charge.
Making money is NOT my main motivator. Anybody that knows me will say the same thing. My main motivation for doing things in life is to help people when I can.
^^^^ I will vouch as I have two of his calls. They sound amazing and he is willing to take time to ensure you like the sound. Josh is a great call maker and an even better person.
Andrewd
Eight Pointer
Alloy calls are awesome. And some amazing strikers.
AGG
Four Pointer
Some great information in your whole post, thanks for sharing. I tend to prefer the simpler look of domestic hardwoods over some exotics. Cherry is beautiful if done right. Walnut is another favorite. That said, a nice piece of mahogany is hard to beat. I think it depends on the craftsmanship of the piece (not strictly talking about turkey calls here). I tend to lean away from the lighter colored woods like maple or the pattern of oak, but that is just a personal preference. Soft light-colored woods like basswood, butternut, or alder are great for practice pieces on any type of project that you don’t want to waste money and the durability of your tools on.
That being said, I made my most recent couple of calls out of some exotic wood haha.
So take that opinion for what you will.
AGG
Four Pointer
Here is a scratch box I recently completed. Really pleased with how it sounds and its versatility. May be an unpopular opinion but I think scratch boxes are more versatile than lid-over-box calls. However, for projection and tone I unequivocally believe that the lid-over-box is superior. Just my two cents specific applications vary by location and situation anyway.
The box is made from a type of wood called redheart, with a poplar “lid” and cherry striker. Prototyped a few different sizes/combos/shapes until I got dimensions and general sound I was happy with. Any questions about building please let me know, might post a separate topic with the process in more detail if folks are interested to know.
The box is made from a type of wood called redheart, with a poplar “lid” and cherry striker. Prototyped a few different sizes/combos/shapes until I got dimensions and general sound I was happy with. Any questions about building please let me know, might post a separate topic with the process in more detail if folks are interested to know.
chuckinetn
Button Buck
I'm learning to make box and wing bone calls. I have a few scrap pieces of wood . In researching box calls I've found lists of woods that make good boxes and lids.
My question for the experienced box call makers is, can I glue up stock to make a solid body if I can't find big enough stok sizes locally? Does glued up body stock ruin the sound quality of the box?
This spring season in Tennessee will be my first turkey hunting opportunity. Turkey were scarce when I was growing up.
Chucck
My question for the experienced box call makers is, can I glue up stock to make a solid body if I can't find big enough stok sizes locally? Does glued up body stock ruin the sound quality of the box?
This spring season in Tennessee will be my first turkey hunting opportunity. Turkey were scarce when I was growing up.
Chucck
I’m working on a retractable striker keeper system for your turkey vest or belt loop- I’m trying to get the cost down to a reasonable $29.95 and a second one if you just pay shipping and handling of $10 
Alloy_Calls
Spike
The best advice that I could provide on boxes and wing bones is for you to seek out some custom guys and pick their brains.
The world of custom calls is awesome, and most of the builders are more than willing to help new guys get it figured out.
Don’t expect trade secrets, but general guidance can be provided.
If you try to find some guys and strike out, let me know and I will try to make a connection for you.
AGG
Four Pointer
Not a professional builder, as mentioned it would be best to contact as many builders as you can and get different opinions. That being said, what parts are you trying to glue together? Do you mean cutting each wall, bottom, and ends separately and then putting together? If so then that should work depending on how you do it and how good your seal is, etc. A large amount of wood glue overflow inside the box will effect the sound like a finish would (not exactly the same but it will have an effect).
AGG
Four Pointer
How about 10 monthly payments of 2.99?
AGG
Four Pointer
Those look great. Hope they bring in a big gobbler sometime. About how much time goes into making a wing bone call?
Tarheel
Button Buck
I make turned trumpet yelpers, scratchboxes, tube calls, trough calls, and Turpin style box calls. I don't make pot calls, but I do make one piece turned strikers. Also, I make a nice bamboo shelf chalk case. I especially like to carve calls, but I don't get as much time to carve as I would like and my hands don't allow me to do much of it when I do.
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Tarheel
Button Buck
georgeeebuck
Twelve Pointer
Those are great !!
GobblingNC
Six Pointer
Those are beautiful. Do do you sell any?
Tarheel
Button Buck
Yes, I sell them. I'm a turkey hunter who happens to build a few turkey calls. My workspace is limited; therefore, my production is limited. I'll build a few trumpet yelpers, then I'll switch to scratchboxes.....then something else. Unfortunately, at 72, I'm having my share of health issues, so that impacts what I do and when I'm able to do it. At present, I'm building trumpet yelpers................
GobblingNC
Six Pointer
I am interested in buying a call from you. I don’t think you have enough posts that I can private message you. Is there a better way to reach you?
Tarheel
Button Buck
I'm on Facebook, and I spend most of the year making calls to take to the Unicoi Turkey Call Makers Show in Helen, GA. I share a table with Steve Mann at the Unicoi show. Since I'm such a small production call maker, I get to fly under the radar of most folks. That works best for me.....LOL!!!
Marvin Breedlove
919.332.7603 use text....when I'm in my shop I can't hear the cell phone ringing.
stonewallmgb@gmail.com
Marvin Breedlove
919.332.7603 use text....when I'm in my shop I can't hear the cell phone ringing.
stonewallmgb@gmail.com
3HensCustomCalls
Button Buck
Hey Chuck, I make Cost Style boxes. I don't have any experience with glued up boxes. I hand hewn mine out of a solid body of wood. There are call makers that make some very nice and deadly glued up boxes though. It is just a matter of preference. Mr. Cost was gracious enough to show everyone some basic steps in making his style of call and that is what got me into call making so I like to pay homage to him by making his style of call. I would suggest starting with some basic woods like Poplar and Walnut. They are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and will make a fine call. You may already know this from your research, but generally the lid wood is harder than the body wood. Look for 8/4 stock with tight and straight grain. The grain direction of the wood plays a major part in the tone of the call. If you can't find any locally, there are some good places online that you can buy from. I'd be glad to answer any of your questions or help in any way. It is a fun and rewarding hobby.
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Had a guy that made some cabinets for me started making calls showed me one and I bought it from him for $40. I believe it’s walnut base part and have to look but different on top. It’s the best sounding box call I’ve ever owned, didn’t know it when I bought it just helping him out since he was getting started and trying to sell some. I’ve killed a lot of birds using his call.