First closed reed!

[ohioyotehntr]

I'm new to this forum. I started making calls a couple months ago. I made a couple of antler calls then a couple of open reeds. This was my first attemp at a turned closed reed. I don't have a mandrel yet so it turned out of center. I opened it up with the dremmel so it does'nt look so bad. I'm not a big fan of plain Maple but the blanks were free so their good for practice.Other than that I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think. Any comments and critisism and/or tips are appreciated.
Thanks for looking.
Dusty

[FinsnFur]

Just commenting on the turning, I think you did fine for your first one. I'm not overly fond of the overall shape, but you seem to have a nice finish on it.

[Bills Custom Calls]

I can see you are off to a good start Now put that one one the shelf and keep it.Your gonna need it in about 6 months or so.

How long is the call and what size is the bell


Bill

[Coulter]

Bill is right..if you stick with this long enough and look at that call in six months or a year you will probably laugh at it. I know I did when I found some of my first calls at a friends house. He wouldn't give 'em back so I could fix 'em either

Overall, not bad for a first turn - good finish on it. Im not that fond of the actual design of it either, but you will learn to be more creative as you turn more. Keep a good supply of that maple on hand and don't try to force it, it will just come to you one day when you're screwing around and you'll know it when you find it. Referring to design anyway. Get a mandrel though...that will greatly improve what you're doing and make life a lot easier for you.

Other than that -welcome aboard.

Steve

[frshwtr]

ok the design is not fancey, it does look like it fits a hand real good. overall i'd call it a hunters call, nothing fancey just the right bill for the field.

[ohioyotehntr]

It fits real good in my hands. I just kinda had an idea for the design and started playing. I kept stopping the lathe and grabbing it until it felt right. I don't like the design of every custom call I see either but, thats why they are "custom". I think if you are making them to sell to the public, then there are certain designs that are liked by most everyone. If you are making one for yourself to carry, You would make it to be comfortable to call with, and a little style of you're own. Thanks for all the comments, it means alot.
Dusty

[THO Game Calls]

Gad to see you putting those supplies to good use Dusty, and that you found this forum   

Call making is a journey and you've take the first steps.  Where you end up, is entirely up to you now.   Good luck and good turning

Al