Couple getting started questions...

[COsby]

I'm wanting to fork off of duck calls and work on some goose calls. I just have a few questions about parts to get started with..

Is it recommended to use gut inserts?
 My plan is to get some dowells and cut them at a number of different lengths, then more and a number of different diameters.
 This would also require the guts to come in and out of different barrels while I practice with sizing and dimensions.
 Can anyone recommend a user friendly one if they are recommended?

Most likely I'm going to get the shell creek or wade SR series. Just the basic. Once I get more experience I'll play with the others eventually.

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

I like to use gutserts, it will be a lot stronger then wood.....

Do you have to use gutserts?     No.    You can cut a groove and wrap it with thread and Ca, it will strengthen the tennon.

I would start with the SR-1's, they have little tuning tabs on the back that basically make them impossible to mess up. After you get a little more experienced with them I would recommend getting the SR-2's, 3's, or 11's.

Hope this helps a little..... 

[Prairie Game Calls]

A couple things. The gambit of guts are different sizes so when you choose your gut make sure you have a drill bit to fit the gut. Shell Creeks are all 5/8 which makes it easy. I like the gutserts myself. You can make them or buy them pre-made thats up to you. Wade may have some bits for the other guts. I just buy the other sizes of gutserts from Wade. Not sure what the dowels are for you were talking about unless you want to make your own guts. Otherwise drill a blank 5/8 turn it down to look like a exhaust and away you go. Slap a gut set in and then use 20 reeds trying to get the right sound! 
I like both Wades and Shell Creeks SR1's but I cut the tabs off the end, then cut the tab off the backend of the reed, do a little customwork to the tone channel in the front, then shave about 20 reeds until I find one I like. 

Larry

[COsby]

The dowels are 1.5" poplar I'm going to use to make test measurements.

Order placed. Thanks guys. Unfortunately they won't be here til Monday. Should have pulled the trigger sooner.
Pretty excited to turn some of these!

[Jon @ JRwoods]

If you have the itch before your parts show up you can build your own gutserts.  Take you calipers to a big box home improvement store and start measuring.   Lots of different things you can make them from.  I've used metal conduit (will eventually rust), plastic sprinkler riser, schedule 80 met, and a bunch of other stuff oddball stuff.  Drill a 5/8 hole through it, or ream if its close enough. Or whatever size hole you need for your guts. 
Have a short piece of acrylic laying around?   Same thing.
After the bore is right turn your step (glue surface) and then oring grooves. 
Purchased gutserts are a great way to get the same thing every time and are just easier. 
Have fun and don't be afraid to tear up a few sets of guts experimenting.

[Jeff @ Mutt Calls]

Take you calipers to a big box home improvement store and start measuring.   Lots of different things you can make them from.

 

I just saw myself when I read this.  I do the same thing.  There are tons of stuff to make gut-serts. Easiest for me is in this order.  1)  Buy them from Wade or Shell Creek  2)  Buy some 1"Gray PVC rod and make them.

Jeff

[CJohnston]

Honestly the best sounding guts I've used is Ice and shell creek Originals,  I have some Sr3 I've messed with a little. t all matters how you tune them and set them up (back boring, length etc.)

[COsby]

I was able to get out to the shop for just a little bit. I'll post up some pics later. finally today I got it to where I really like the way the reed is working but now I'm working on making it louder.
I just made it out of osage as a prototype.

[Bubba]

I like Shell Creek guts as well, never had an issue with them and they've always sounded great.  I don't use gutserts anymore. Instead, I use copper pipe unions glued inside the tennon. can't hardly even tell they are there, the guts fit perfectly,  and the insert is basically all wood.

[bsigler]

what size copper,  that is a great idea

[Bubba]

I believe they are 1/2 inch straight unions, not the ones with the crimp in the center but the ones that go straight through.  Take a set of guts to Home Depot with you to check size but they fit great.

[Shannon Sparr]

I believe they are 1/2 inch straight unions, not the ones with the crimp in the center but the ones that go straight through.  Take a set of guts to Home Depot with you to check size but they fit great.

I'm not trying to start an argument with my very first post, but I'm a pipe fitter by trade. The fitting you are talking about is actually called a slip on coupling or through coupling. It is designed for pipe repairs where you can't get the pipes far enough apart to get a "stop" coupling in, that's the one with the dimple. A union has two faces held together by a nut. Trust me, going into a box store with the proper terminology will get rid of a lot of confusion. Your idea is brilliant, and when I start turning calls, I will use it!

[Bubba]

Never knew the actual name of the part, just browsed around until I found what worked.  Originally went in thinking electrical conduit would work but these things are cheap and work great, and won't rust.