A set of Black Walnut

[Bills Custom Calls]

These didn't turn out quite like I was wanting them to,They have been sanded,oiled and waxed with a beeswax.I was hoping for a little more shine then what I got.After all this is my first time on a lathe and haven't finished any wood in many years.I am asking for your honest input here.


I know they are not perfect but I was really surprised at the volume they have.

[Hawks Feather]

Walnut is a beautiful wood, but at least to me, somewhat of a time consuming project to finish.  Since there is open grain, it needs to be filled.  That can be done with filler or particles of the wood that is being wet sanded off of the wood.  The easiest way I have found is to get the call close to the shape I want and then wet sand (with oil which will also help the wood color, not water) against the grain so that the slurry goes into the open pores of the walnut.  Leave it set for a day or two and repeat the process.  Keep doing this till the pores are filled and then you can continue finish sanding the call.  Not a real quick process, but the results are pretty good.

The exception to this is some of the really tight grain "hard" walnut that finishes much easier.

Hope this helps,

Jerry

[HaMeR]

Those are some dang nice calls you got there. Like Jerry said,, the grain needs filled to look it's best but I think yours are real nice. How do they sound is more important.

[DDCalls]

Pretty nice for a first time lathe use.  Not my favorite wood, but very nice shape and accent lines.

David

[Bills Custom Calls]

Jerry that is the look I was going for should have done alot more sanding I guess.

Hamer they sound great after setting the tone boards I went out on the porch and let the open reed distress do some work and Chris[my wife]thought something was wrong with one of the cats.

David thanks for your kind words

Bill

[HaMeR]

They look good AND sound good!! Can't beat that now can you!!  When do they get there 1st test drive??

[Bills Custom Calls]

Saturday the 31rst 7:30 am  I sure hope they hold up .


Bill

[THO Game Calls]

The one on the left has a classic shape to it.  Very nice looking call.

I'm not a huge fan of walnut, because of the problems finishing it.  But, if you want some nice walnut, with lots of figure, check out places like Boyds Rifle Stocks or richards Micro Fit.  You can pick up nicly figured walnut and maple sticks and cut them into call blanks.   It's a good bargian for the call maker especially if you get a blank, and not a pre cut stock.

AL
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com

[Bills Custom Calls]

The reason I chose walnut is.This was not a very nice pieceof wood and being my first time for turning i figured it would end up in a pile af dust on the floor.Since they ended up looking like this.I had to do what I could to make a workable call.They all sound rather good we will see Saturday,they are getting  feild tested.


Bill

[HaMeR]

Cool. Can't wait for the field report!!