THO Game Calls Forums

The Art of Handcrafting Custom Game Calls => Handcrafting Custom Elk Calls => Topic started by: Austy on February 07, 2012, 06:45:18 PM

Title: O Ring Groove Depth
Post by: Austy on February 07, 2012, 06:45:18 PM
I am working on making an open reed elk call mouth piece  :stickman1:  and have put a groove in the tennon end of the call for an O Ring.  I just placed an order for the 5/8" O-Rings because the outside diameter of my tennon is 5/8".  Question that I have is about how deep does the groove need to be to use these O-Rings??  I guess this would be similar to the Lotta Method that I read about but I don't remember reading anything about how deep to make the O-Ring groove.  Also while I am asking, would it be better for me to drill the hole in my calls barrel to 5/8" or 41/64"??  I was planning on using a 5/8" hole and having the two pieces of the mouth piece with reed fit into the barrel of the call with just a slight press fit so that the mouth piece fits snug and is good and tight.  Any help or suggestions on the depth and width of the O-Ring groove(s) and the size of the hole to drill into the barrel of the call would be appreciated.  I guess I should have ordered the O-Rings First!!!!!         
Title: Re: O Ring Groove Depth
Post by: VECtor Calls on February 08, 2012, 12:31:28 AM
I'd go to the hardware store, and buy a bunch of different sizes, and see what works best for you.

Here's the sizes from McMaster Carr that I use on a regular basis for deer, elk, crow, duck, etc.......012, 013, 906, 907.  Look for neoprene.  Some folks use Buna-o's, but they are not as durable over time, or as flexible/stretchy.

Parker
Title: Re: O Ring Groove Depth
Post by: Austy on February 08, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Thanks for the suggestion Parker, I will have to make a trip to the hardware store in the morning.
Title: Re: O Ring Groove Depth
Post by: VECtor Calls on February 08, 2012, 07:27:06 AM
There are two other sizes I get at Lowe's too, in 10 packs. McMaster is WAY cheaper, but you have to buy in bulk. 013 and 014 are the cheapest, because they are a typical size.

I just don't/won't waste my time on cutting o-ring grooves to be  exact. I jusgt have these siEs on hane, and try to hit 014, but if I am off, I am still covered without having to do any precise measurements on the lathe.

Parker