I have been using regular boiled linseed oil buffing out with 4 ought steel wool between coats and then polishing with orange oil and bees wax mixed with carranuba. is there much of a difference with true oil?
Is there a better finish? I know some of you guys use sanding sealer before applying a hard type finish.
Yes, a significant difference in my opinion. And I believe there are a number of commonly used finishes that are better than BLO and wax. Honestly, I think just about anything is a better finish than that.
Tru-Oil is a mix of oils, but it is a polymerizing finish, like polyurethane is. BLO is not a polymerizing finish, it is just an oil, so buffing it with steel wool doesn't do much for you other than smooth any slightly raised grain out.
I'm not a believer in using wax as a finish for calls that will be used in the field. It can't be argued that BLO is going to provide some level of protection for the wood, but the wax is not permanent and will dull with use and handling. If the call is being soaked in BLO and not just having it wiped on, that's a pretty solid means of protection for woods that'll soak it up. Customers cannot be relied upon to re-wax a call the way they should.
If you like the BLO look, try tung oil. Pretty darn good finish and you can wax over it when you're done.