My first call !!!

[FinsnFur]

Looks nice.
I'm loving the fact that you can create these crisp, proportioned bodies right off the bat. Your gonna go places if you keep it up.

Most beginners turn calls that look like tapered smokie links, with a hole drilled in em. Ah heck some that been at it for years still do 
Your taking right off here. Nice work.

[HaMeR]

Most beginners turn calls that look like tapered smokie links, with a hole drilled in em. Ah heck some that been at it for years still do 

I know that guy ^^^^ Jimbo!!! He's still spinning broomsticks with grooves too!!  :roflmao:

I think you're starting out purdy good too duckslayer!! 

[Jimmie in Ky]

Use it with any wood you try. Especialy the more open grained woods such as oak, or walnut.  That was one of the tricks the old furniure makers used on all that mahognay they built. Jimmie

[alscalls]

You got er......Just slow down and take yer time on one......I think you got it in ya ta do great things if you really try.
What problems are ya having? Ask away, we all been there and we can help.
These folks helped me more than I ever imagined, but my biggest problem was not asking.

[duckslayer]

I would just like to say thank you to all of you for the kind words and all the help that you have given me.  Just so you know I have taken everyones advice on everything.  I just finished a barrel last night for a duck call and need to work on the sound board.  I made it out of english walnut.  I am learning the tools more and more as I go but that is something everyone has to do.  NOW ABOUT THE SANDING.  When I first started ( not that long ago LOL ) I did not understand how important the sanding process was, now after talking to all of you I see how important it is.  So on this last calls I tried the alcohol thing and IT WORKED.  I was shocked how well it worked.  I have also been using the DEFT to but the finish on the calls but I am having a hard time with drying with the cold weather.  But the one I worked on last night ( sanding wise ) is the best I have done.  Will post pics when I finish.  But one question I do need to ask is, how in the heck do you sharpen your tools.  I HAVE NO IDEA!!!

[HaMeR]

All I use is a belt/disc sander. The disc has 220 grit on it & I just lay the table over to the angle of the tool. I eyeball this by holding the tool against the disc & locking it down. Lay the tool flat on the table & rotate it 2-3 times. It helps if you use a marker on the edge before sharpening so you know if the angle is correct. Then I use a round diamond file laid flat on the inside of gouges to remove any burr. I also sharpen on the downside of the disc. This seems to leave less of a burr.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93981

[alscalls]

I use a belt sander......a light touch and NEVER Let the tool get hot!! one pass then stop... too hot to touch is too hot!
I do not have the right tool for the job so this gets me by.

[Jimmie in Ky]

I use a grinder myself. I set the tool rest to the right angle and pass them quickly across the stone. Keep some cold water handy and with each pass place the tool end in water. This helps keep her cool and speeds up the process. As Al said to hot to hold is too hot. This removes the temper from them and they have to be reground.

Alcohol or a damp cloth either one will raise the grain so you can get rid of the fuzzies and see what nicks and such are showing before you put on a finish. I personally use the damp cloth since I do a lot of diferent wood working. Its an easy habit to get into and cost next to nothing.

You can also use denim cloth to polish a finsh a bit to see what shows or doesn't. It can also be used to burnish the wood beofre you put on the finish. Jimmie

[alscalls]

I have also used a piece of soft leather before the finish......not after as this can get hot if not careful.

[duckslayer]

Okay, I took my time on this one and really worked on the sanding portion of the call and worked on getting a nice finish.  But I had a slow day at work today and drew up and design for a call that I hope is a original and I will be working on that for my next duck call.  But here is one that I made out of English Walnut.  And once again thank you guys for everything.

[Bills Custom Calls]

I kike how the grain is in that one 

Looks like a good job from here 

[FinsnFur]

Nice job. I like that one also...but I think the others looked better.
And that's merrily a personal opinion, nothing wrong with any of em.

[alscalls]

Your doing fine just keep doing it ........and out doing it will come.

[msmith]

I really like that english walnut one. I like how you made it an interesting shape but with soft, subtle lines.