Box call construction

[59f100292]

Ive decided to make my own box call.

After some research it seems cedar, maple, walnut, cherry, mahogany, poplar and bass wood are listed as good materials.  Im guessing the basswood might be due to ease of carving not quality of sound.

My question is - which woods do you prefer?  what box/top combinations?  Can anyone point me in the right direction of a company that sells wood scraps in this size?   Are there any better woods not listed?

[59f100292]

also, would staining/finishing a box call ruin the sound?

[buck460XVR]

Over the years, with the exception of basswood and mahogany I have used all of the woods listed. All have worked well. Type of wood used and thickness influences tone. I have my best luck using a different type of wood for the paddle than I use for the box itself.  From my experience, the larger the call, the louder it is. Finishing can help seal the call, but must not be used on the lip of the call or the bottom of the paddle as this will reduce the friction needed to make sound. It can also change the tone of the call as it makes the wood used more dense. I like to experiment, and for every good call I make, I throw half a dozen away. Most of the good ones I make, I end up giving to friends. I once made one about 18 inches long as a joke, but it ended up making great sound and it's loudness makes it a great locator call....... it's too darn big to carry in the field, but is a prized possession of a friend that locates birds by walking out the back door of his house.

[SHOOTALL]

I use a box call and have several or more . Cedar seems to be what most are constructed of . I have seen a few constructed from old cedar cigar box wood . I have one made of walnut i believe and use it the most . Some have the paddle made of a different wood .
If you are near a wood workers supply store they might have what you need .
Do a serch on line you might get alot of infomation .

[59f100292]

Oh and one more question - the internet Hot To sights show making one out of a bottom peice grooved for the side slabs with two end plugs......   is there any reason one cannot be carved out of one solid block (aside from the lid of course)

[buck460XVR]

Oh and one more question - the internet Hot To sights show making one out of a bottom peice grooved for the side slabs with two end plugs......   is there any reason one cannot be carved out of one solid block (aside from the lid of course)

no.........some commercial box calls are produced this way using pin routers. One must still get the sides thin enough to resonate.

[59f100292]

Well I got my hands on a few peices of Oak today - any one know if that is suitable for a turkey call?  It was cut down today so obviously is not dry.   How dry does it need to be before I can carve it?  How long should I wait?  Any one have any clever ways of drying it out faster?

[indian*dave]

I have gotten into making all my own calls.It is special to call up a long beard with a call you make yourself.  I have used all of the wood you mentioned.  They all will work it just depends on what sound you are looking for.  My favorite 2 calls are one made of cypress and one made of cherry.  One good thing is if you make your own calls nobody can copy that sound.  I have hunted in heavy hunted areas where alot of commerical calls had been used.  The turkeys had wised up and would not answer.  I came with my calls that they hadn't heard any like and called up 2 for my friend. Keep messing with your call until you get the sound you like.  Everything affects how it sounds, the thickness of the paddle, the spring , the washer, thickness of the base, etc. Some of mine turn out to be keepers and alot wind up firewood. Good Luck. 

[59f100292]

Thanks for the advice - my problem is now trying to get my hands on some wood.  Out here in kansas trees are pretty scarce - let alone ones of this type that I can get a scrap of.  Any one know of any commercial carving supply companies?

[SHOOTALL]

see if wood workers supply has an online store .

[indian*dave]

Wood Workers Supply has about any wood you'll want.  Also look at Shipley's Custom Sawing at www.callkits.com they have everything you'll need even screws.  You might want to start with one of their kits to start with til you get your feet wet.  Also there are several sites that have plans for box calls.  One that I can think of is www.wildturkeyzone.com.  Also if you have a cabinet shop or millright shop close by check with them.  They will probably give you some scraps.  It only takes a small piece to make a call.  I lucked up and the shop I asked had a turkey hunter working there .  So I make him a call every once and awhile and he saves me some different wood.