My first

[sdb777]

It's not that good, so go easy on me...but I'd still like to know where I can improve.

Walnut/Maple Crow Call with R&R Calls reed


I learned that the glue doesn't allow for great sanding access... I'll need to work on that.
I learned that sharp edges don't sand well at all... Have to reduce the sharp edges.

The only finish is MiniWax Wood Hardener. I'll probably apply a few coats of poly after doing some more sanding...



Scott (everyone else was posting) B

[TDHofstetter]

Scott, you've actually done a pretty good job there, for a first. Further, your own self-diagnosis is gonna' get you a LONG way... I like to see that.

I don't have much to point at for improvement. Clearly you've watched your sanding very well... I'm sure you've also discovered that walnut & maple both turn & sand very differently from one another - the walnut is much softer & easier to tear out, and sands away faster than the maple does.

One thing I might point at - you're probably already aware of it. The distinct walnut grain doesn't appear to be quite continuous end-to-end. It's very close - the two bottom segments look like they're cut from the same piece & aligned well, but the topmost (mouthpiece, I think) segment looks like it may be twisted clockwise about ten degrees so the cathedrals aren't quite in line.

The end-grain sanding right around that plastic insert might want a trifle closer attention, too, to be "perfect".

Overall... for a First? I'll give it a solid B.

[Joe Lyddon]

That looks good...

You blow on it to make Crow sounds... to attract Crows?
... then POP'em!?

We have a bunch of crows around here... they love to nest in the high eucalyptus trees.

[Doug B]

For some strange reason, a crow call will make Turkeys sound off. A crow call is almost essential to a Turkey hunt. A gobbler just cannot resist the call of a crow...who knows why? You want to know where the Turkeys are...act like a crow

[maverick31]

I agree with everyone, I like it. I like reall shiny slick finishes so once you top coat it with poly it should look really cool. I have noticed that on the stuff I make if the finish is killer it can help hide some of the minor flaws,(some woods it can magnify them too though)

[sdb777]

Thanks for the 'solid B', I was thinking along the lines of a C-/D+!

During the glue up I was having an awful time, and you are correct the grain doesn't even come close to matching up. And I had no idea how difficult the sanding process would be until I got into it. The different types of wood made it very difficult!


Got an update: The crow call works!
Took it across the street to a wooded area, put my ghillie suit on and found a dry spot to sit down. I waited for what seems like a day(about 5 minutes) for the woods to calm down from me walking in. Grabbed the call, and gave it a couple UHH, UHH, UHH blows(you have to add a little of your voice to get the right sound), waited a few moments and did it again(you could almost feel the disappointment coming).... First one, then another and another showed up. They were all well within POPPING distance for a 12ga(I was in City Limits and didn't bring one), and the disappointment turned to pure redneck joy, and I jumped up and howled something un-Earthly! Which caused those three crows to take flight.
I took off all my stuff and shoved it into the Jeep and drove home with a big turd eating grin all over my face. Nothing like making something in your garage and having it work.....total cost, doesn't really matter. I made it!!


Yes, crow calls are almost required to locate turkeys! I believe it's the pitch and duration of the call that 'makes' the turkey gobble at it(JMHO). Then again, a train blowing a horn at a crossing has made them gobble too?


Scott (turd eating grin still there) B

[boodrow]

Great lookin call , and great it works
Boodrow

[TDHofstetter]

Some days... turd tastes pretty good, doesn't it?

Boy, do I know that feeling - that of having made something & discovered to my surprise that it worked. THAT is worth a Happy Dance!

[maverick31]

Posted by sdb777 on Today at 6:38am
Nothing like making something in your garage and having it work.....total cost, doesn't really matter. I made it!!
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boy I know exactly what you mean, if only the wife could see the light!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D