Turning Pot Calls with a Jawed Chuck

[Prairie Game Calls]

First I start out with the square blank

Now choose which pattern I want as far as size


Trace the pattern and cut it as close as possible on the band saw so it looks like this

Next if I do a 3" call I use a 3" forstner bit and drill the blank


Here's the depth you need to get the jaws of the chuck to hold

This is the pot blank thickness I like to use

Attach the blank using these jaws

Now turn the blank until it is perfectly round then put it in these jaws like so and turn the inside of the pot

Once the inside is all turned take it off the lathe and layout your sound holes using a center finder


Using a set of wing dividers determine where to place the holes

Now flip it over and mark the back of the call


Now drill your holes in the marked spots and put the blank back on the chuck like this

I then sand my holes to remove any tear out from the drilling at this point.

Now I turn the back of the call and sand it this one is ready for finish and the glue up

The End
Larry

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

Nice tutorial!!   

[VECtor Calls]

Great writeup man!  Poor Valley (Jerry French) taught me this, what ya think:

If you drill the sound holes from the bottom side prior to turning the inside of the blank, your tear out will disappear when you turn the inside of the call out.

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

One question, what kind of wood is in the 6th picture?? It looks really cool!

[Prairie Game Calls]

That wood is Cocobolo David.

Larry