Insert mandrel

[gunrackguy]

Hi
I am new to making my own duck call inserts. What type of mandrel do most of you use and is there a tutorial on this site? Do you use a pin lock mandrel? I already have a jig.

[BigB]

Lots of information located on this site to answer your question.  Check out this link and let us know if you have any further questions.

http://thogamecallsforums.com/index.php/board,109.0.html


Brian

[Dunkler]

Hi
I am new to making my own duck call inserts. What type of mandrel do most of you use and is there a tutorial on this site? Do you use a pin lock mandrel? I already have a jig.

for inserts I use either a 1/4" piece of steel welding rod with a 1/4" shaft collar for a blind mandrel, or for the 7/32" tone channels, I use a chainsaw file with a 1/4" shaft collar. I chuck them up in a drill press jacobs chuck for the lathe.

[Robert A.]

I never had a llot of success using a blind mandrel. I turn mine between centers then chuck the insert up and drill my tone channel. There are a ton of tutorials here and if you have the time to run thru old threads you will find a wealth of info.. Good luck

[dogcatcher]

I never had a llot of success using a blind mandrel. I turn mine between centers then chuck the insert up and drill my tone channel. There are a ton of tutorials here and if you have the time to run thru old threads you will find a wealth of info.. Good luck

Your problem is you are letting the end grain of the insert slightly bend the blind mandrel.  Instead of staying on center the live center point is seeking softer wood.  I turn my blank round first, that gives me a solid center on both ends, then drill and then use my blind mandrel, result is rarely off center.
 
I really do not think there is a perfect way, every method I have tried has faults, even my current one.  By next week or next month I may be doing it different.  Even the wood can dictate what method is best.

Marvin

[Tobin at Copeland Duck Calls]

I use Rivermallard's insert mandrel, and it is awsome.