Box Calls Finished

[Sooner44]

Just got through with three Poplar calls tonight. Been tuning them and finally got them right. They sound really nice and can't wait to field test them. I included some pictures, nothing fancy, pretty plain looking but the tone is great.
 
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/box001.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/box002.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/box003.jpg

[turk2di]

Nice job!

[Steve_In]

Nice looking calls.  I like the handle on the lid of the top call in pic3.  Try a walnut paddle.  The call pictured with my jake has poplar sides with a walnut lid.  It is loud and it works.  It does not take much more work to fancy them up if you want to.  Keep it up.

[Sooner44]

I just finished a cedar box and haven't had time to make a cedar paddle yet. I put a poplar paddle on but it sounded pretty bad. I had an oak paddle from a previous call I made lying around so I tried the oak paddle, it really sounds great on the cedar box !! I'll make a cedar paddle tomorrow and try it, but that oak / cedar combo will be hard to beat, a couple of pic's below.
 
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/box005.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/box004.jpg

[ct swamphunter]

Plain or not I think they look really nice and if they sound good than there you go.

Nice job.

[Sooner44]

Thanks  !!
 
Here is this weeks work"
 
1) top - Cedar / cedar paddle
2) Cedar with oak paddle
3,4 & 5 - Poplar with poplar paddle
 
They all sound really great, all unique regarding tone, but thats what I was after !!
 
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/P1010003.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GunDog44/P1010001.jpg
 

[dmcianfa]

What are you guys using to make these calls?  Are there direction or how to guides on what to do and what machinery to use?  Any info would be great as I would like to make my own as well!

[Gobblernut]

Nice calls...So what's the price??

[Sooner44]

Gobblernut,
 
Never really thought about selling any calls, I just enjoy making them and looking for that "just right" tone, with a touch of raspyness at the end of the stroke [:D]
 
I'm sure I could head one your way to try out when I get an extra one made. (my hunting buddies at work claimed the ones I got finished).
 
Be Safe !!
 
Sooner

[Sooner44]

ORIGINAL: dmcianfa

What are you guys using to make these calls?  Are there direction or how to guides on what to do and what machinery to use?  Any info would be great as I would like to make my own as well!

I have used Cedar, poplar, oak & mahogany so far.
My opinion is the poplar has the best overall sound, a higher pitch and can be made to sound clear or raspy. The Oak did not make a good call box, however if you put an oak paddle on a cedar box, it sounds great. The cedar makes a lower tone call, I don't really care for the lower tone, but it does sound good if thats what you like. If you use cedar, care must be taken when creating the box. If the box (inside cut-out) is too wide or long, you lose all tone and pitch. For good quality sound and ease of working with the wood, I prefer poplar.
I've just started with Mahogany and really can't give an opinion yet.
As far as information on making calls, just google "box calls" and you will see several sights. I make all my calls out of solid wood, no glue or joints (nothing to come lose). I use solid brass screws with a recessed spring. I don't use a router or any fancy wood working tools, I make them one at a time with files, sand paper, sanding blocks, drill press and dremel tool.
Although they look nice enough "for me", they are nothing fancy, they are home-made ! but I like that hand made look, besides the sound is all that matters.

Hope this helps

Sooner