Instructions to Making a Box Call
Many avid hunters use a call to bring in game. One of the most popular types of turkey calls is a box call. When making your own box call, it is suggested you begin well in advance of hunting season so that you have time to practice using the call before heading to the woods. The box call imitates the sounds made by a female turkey, and can be used to call in toms that are in your area.
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Instructions
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Cut the base of the turkey call. This should be cut from 1/4-inch thick wood. Use a wood that gives you the desired texture and color for your design. Hardwoods with a tight grain, especially those that are seasoned and dry, will give the best tones, resulting in the most realistic sounding calls. Most calls are 6 to 7 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide.
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Cut two matching pieces for the sides of the call. These pieces are called the sound boards. They should be 1/8 inch thick, 1 1/2 inches tall, and the same length as your base. The sides have a flat bottom and ends and a curved top. The curved top is about 1/4 inch lower at each end than it is at its center peak.
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Sand the top of the sound boards to create a smooth and continuous edge.
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Cut two tapered blocks to serve as the ends of the box call. Most calls have a 6-degree taper. When the call is assembled, the blocks should fit loosely at the base of the call and tighter at the top of the sound blocks.
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Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of all the individual pieces. When all edges are finished, use a high-quality wood glue to attach the base and sides. It is important that the seams are even and that there are no gaps through which air could escape. Use a damp paper towel to remove excess glue that squeezes out as the pieces are fitted together. Secure them with clamps to dry.
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Allow time for the base and sides to dry, then glue the end blocks into position. Secure them with clamps while they dry into position.
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Cut the lid, or paddle. The paddle should be cut the same size as the base, from 1/4-inch wood. The bottom of the paddle is curved, and must be shaped with a file, and then sanded off to create a smooth edge.
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Use a drill press if available, or a power drill to drill out a 3/32 hole to countersink the end block. It is important that this hole be made in the exact center of the block.
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Place the spring between the lid and the block and hold together firmly. Without allowing the spring to shift, use a screw to attach the lid to the end block in this hole. It is important that the exact center of the lid be attached to the prepared hole in the block.
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References
- Photo Credit turkey image by Terry Reimink from Fotolia.com
