THO Game Calls Forums

The Art of Handcrafting Custom Game Calls => Handcrafting Traditional Reelfoot Duck Calls => Topic started by: Henry H on March 01, 2014, 10:02:29 PM

Title: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: Henry H on March 01, 2014, 10:02:29 PM

Marvin asked in another thread that I post here as I begin working with my millimg machine.  Well, I finally got it squared up to acceptable tolerances, so started working on a jig for my inserts.  I decided to do it differently than Fred's.  I plan to surface the toneboard and mill the tonechannel before final turning, so my jig will have a 1-1/8" channel for inserting the insert blank, which I'll hold in place with setscrews.

I'm using a piece of 2x2 aluminum (6061).  First task was to cut a 4" section.

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140301_210235_zps4wjatx4b.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140301_210235_zps4wjatx4b.jpg.html)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140301_210415_zpsmcgqtgtl.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140301_210415_zpsmcgqtgtl.jpg.html)

Then I put it on the mill to machine the ends square.

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140301_210523_zpsthjszxrf.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140301_210523_zpsthjszxrf.jpg.html)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140301_210719_zpszxzhkkzb.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140301_210719_zpszxzhkkzb.jpg.html)

Then I started a hole on either end with a center drill, then drilled it through on the mill with a 3/4" drill bit, then started boring out the hole with a boring bar.  It is 1-1/16" now about 3/4 of the way through (will have to flip the block and finish from the other end once I get it to 1-1/8").

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140301_212819_zpsm87f1lbf.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140301_212819_zpsm87f1lbf.jpg.html)

I may get a little more done tomorrow, but if not it will probably be next weekend before another update.

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: dogcatcher on March 01, 2014, 11:08:17 PM

The first thing you need to do is get a metal cutting bandsaw, or put a motor on that hacksaw.  With that hacksaw you are doing it my way.  I cut 48 pieces of brass rod this afternoon, one hacksaw stroke at a time.  My shoulder will thank me in the morning.  LOL

Waiting to see the next step, for me making the "gadgets" is what I enjoy the most about callmaking.

Marvin

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: Henry H on March 02, 2014, 04:46:54 PM

Ha!  Don't do enough to warrant a metal bandsaw, though it would be nice!  For now, though, a hacksaw and some elbow grease does fine.

I got more done today than I planned, and neglected to take pictures along the way, so only have the aftermath to show.  I still need to tap the holes for setscrews, but otherwise it is pretty much done.  Now to find some time in the next few weeks to try it out (after I find time to clean up the aluminum mess I had fun making).

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140302_164244_zpsdtpfcil4.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140302_164244_zpsdtpfcil4.jpg.html)

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140302_164157_zpsc7qzwhay.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140302_164157_zpsc7qzwhay.jpg.html)

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140302_164349_zpsrvvhjxmt.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140302_164349_zpsrvvhjxmt.jpg.html)

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/HCHpics/IMG_20140302_164436_zpszb7uodbf.jpg) (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/HCHpics/media/IMG_20140302_164436_zpszb7uodbf.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: Cedar Creek on March 02, 2014, 06:32:53 PM

Very impressive Henry :bigup:

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: FDR on March 02, 2014, 09:31:16 PM

Sure like what I have seen so far Henry!  Interesting concept.


Fred

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: dogcatcher on March 02, 2014, 11:28:39 PM

Looking good, waiting for more.

Marvin

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: sesimmons on March 03, 2014, 03:00:26 PM

Thats so cool! love that you guys use jigs for them. i have always free hand cut and have drawn up so many RF jig ideas over the years and yet have never come up with one that satisfied me. Keep up the good work!

Scott

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: FDR on March 03, 2014, 03:55:54 PM

Welcome Scott. Glad you have joined the forum.

My motivation in using a jig was to eliminate as many variables as possible from the call making process. I made my tooling to take advantage of a small bench milling machine that I already owned.
As others here have demonstrated there are a variety of ways to make excellent Reelfoot calls.  We all share a common interest in preserving the craft of the Reelfoot call.

Again, glad to have you join the forum!

Fred

Title: Re: Making a reelfoot insert jig
Post by: sesimmons on March 03, 2014, 07:55:31 PM

Thanks Fred! Glad to finally be typing some. I think I have been lurking here and stalking you guys since 08? Just never found as much time to chat calls as I like, but I am making it a priority finally! Love your's and others work! I have always wished I had the tooling knowledge like some of you!