THO Game Calls Forums
The Art of Handcrafting Custom Game Calls => Handcrafting Custom Predator Calls => Topic started by: BigB on August 26, 2012, 09:55:54 PM
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A while back, we were discussing using duck call jigs to make predator toneboards. I got one of River Mallards public duck call toneboard jigs to see if it could make a good predator toneboard. Here's what I found:
I loaded my delrin blank into the jig. I cut the toneboard profile following the exact curvature of the jig from the cork notch to the end of the jig. The jig actually has a blunt end, but you can use your judgement to follow the jig radius all the way to the tip of the toneboard.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/byersba/EA8E391E-E552-4505-AC75-7B1DE6422AE8-1002-00000286D2AD1542.jpg)
On the top of the jig, you can see the Allen bolts and the thumb screw. These pose a problem for me when I cut my tone channel. I use my router table to cut the tone channel. The thumb screw can be replaced with a Allen screw, but the Allen bolts that fasten the top part to the base are a problem. So, I put the toneboard into another jig to cut the tone channel.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/byersba/C09ECF0B-85A5-4124-9FFC-CA2E0E004DC6-1002-00000286D9807611.jpg)
Here's the finished toneboard
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/byersba/F819C9D9-B73E-4302-ABEB-B512B57798E4-1002-00000286DF62B22E.jpg)
Now for the real test - how does it sound?? I can honestly say it sounds really good! And I was really impressed with how it sounded right out of the jig. I didn't have any pitch breaks and all of the sounds were there from the high pitch coyote vocals to the raspy bunny distress sounds. I would not hesitate to use this jig for predator calls.
Brian
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question: could the tone channel be "cut" by drilling the material then cutting it in half? seems like i saw this somewhere.
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Yes that is possible. However, If you have a jig and a router table. In my opinion Brians method will be easier for tuning the call. Lonehowl has a post on here about routing the air channel with the toneboard in the jig backward. I think that would solve the thumb screw issue also. Do a quick search and you will find it.
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still confused. why would i need a router if i DRILLED the tone board material b4 cutting it in half longways? that would create the channel, thus eliminating the need for routing a channel.
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still confused. why would i need a router if i DRILLED the tone board material b4 cutting it in half longways? that would create the channel, thus eliminating the need for routing a channel.
Square tonechannels are "technically" supposed to be better sound sound makers. It has something to do with aerodynamics. Depending on my choice of style I use a 3/16" or 1/4" router bit in a homemade milling machine. I also use the drilled round channels, again it depends on what sound I am looking for.
There is nothing wrong with using the drilled round holes, they have been used for years and have caused the death of millions of predators. If you have a great sound that produces animals and are happy with it you are okay. There are more round tonechannels than square ones.
Rarely you will even see some duck callmakers using square channels. Duck call toneboards are the predacessors of the modern open reed predator calls. If it works, just do it your way!!!!
Marvin
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Sorry catman. I was a bit unclear in my last post. In a round about way I was trying to say that instead of drilling the air channel. Using the router will make tuning the call easier. I don't have a router so I drill my air channel. Then I cut and shape the arc. Then I use a dremel tool to further shape the air channel. Then I use a file to clean it up. A router would save me the dremel step.
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Sorry catman. I was a bit unclear in my last post. In a round about way I was trying to say that instead of drilling the air channel. Using the router will make tuning the call easier. I don't have a router so I drill my air channel. Then I cut and shape the arc. Then I use a dremel tool to further shape the air channel. Then I use a file to clean it up. A router would save me the dremel step.
I drill with a 7/32" drill bit when I start, then cut, then decide if I want to use the mill or the Dremel or use a file to square the channel. There are a hundred ways to skin this cat, leave it round, find a file that is close to as wide as the channel and modify it so you can file a flat bottom channel. Or you can free hand cut it with a Dremel, or you can make a mini mill out of your Dremel using plans on the Internet. or use any other method people have thought up like using a router table to cut it. Again you can leave it round.
Marvin
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I leave mine round at the bottom but I use the dremel to even out the width for the entire length of the channel.
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thats what i need to know. thanks. learning more every day!
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learning more every day!
Me too. That is the beauty of THO. Share what ya know.... and learn from what others know.