When it comes to turkey hunting, having the right call can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing one. One of the most popular and effective types of turkey calls is the slate call, which is known for its realistic and versatile sound. However, many hunters are intimidated by the idea of making their own slate turkey call, assuming that it requires specialized skills or equipment. The truth is, with the right materials and a bit of practice, anyone can make a high-quality slate turkey call. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the materials and techniques you need to get started.
Making a slate turkey call is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed with a few simple tools and materials. The process involves attaching a slate or glass surface to a wooden soundboard, which is then used to produce the distinctive sound of a turkey call. With a little patience and practice, you can create a call that sounds just like a real turkey, and is sure to impress your fellow hunters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, making your own slate turkey call is a great way to take your hunting to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a slate turkey call, from the materials you’ll need to the techniques you’ll use to shape and assemble the call. We’ll also provide tips and tricks for getting the best sound out of your call, and troubleshooting common problems that can arise during the process. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge and skills you need to make a high-quality slate turkey call that will help you bring in the birds all season long.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- To make a slate turkey call, you’ll need a few basic materials, including a slate or glass surface, a wooden soundboard, and a strong adhesive.
- The type of wood you use for the soundboard can affect the sound of the call, with denser woods producing a louder, more resonant sound.
- Shaping the slate or glass surface is a critical step in making a slate turkey call, and requires a bit of practice to get right.
- The right adhesive is crucial for attaching the surface to the soundboard, and should be strong enough to withstand the stresses of repeated use.
- Making a slate turkey call can be a fun and rewarding project, but it does require a bit of patience and practice to get the sound just right.
- With the right materials and techniques, anyone can make a high-quality slate turkey call that will help them succeed in the field.
Materials and Equipment
When it comes to making a slate turkey call, the materials you use are critical to the sound and quality of the final product. The slate or glass surface is the most visible part of the call, and is responsible for producing the distinctive sound of a turkey call. You can use either slate or glass for the surface, depending on your personal preference and the sound you’re trying to achieve. Slate is a popular choice because it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, but glass can produce a brighter, more resonant sound.
The wooden soundboard is the other key component of a slate turkey call, and is responsible for amplifying and projecting the sound of the call. The type of wood you use for the soundboard can affect the sound of the call, with denser woods producing a louder, more resonant sound. Walnut and maple are popular choices for soundboards because they’re dense and hardwoods, but you can use other types of wood as well. The soundboard should be roughly 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter, depending on the size of the call you’re trying to make.
In addition to the slate or glass surface and the wooden soundboard, you’ll also need a strong adhesive to attach the surface to the soundboard. There are a number of different adhesives you can use, including epoxy, super glue, and hot glue. The key is to choose an adhesive that’s strong enough to withstand the stresses of repeated use, but also easy to work with and apply. You’ll also need a few basic tools, including a drill press, a sanding block, and a file, to shape and assemble the call.
Shaping the Slate or Glass Surface
Shaping the slate or glass surface is a critical step in making a slate turkey call, and requires a bit of practice to get right. The goal is to create a smooth, even surface that will produce a consistent sound when you run the striker over it. To shape the surface, you’ll need to start by roughing out the shape with a file or sanding block, and then fine-tune the surface with a series of progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when shaping the slate or glass surface is the texture of the surface. A smooth surface will produce a higher-pitched sound, while a rougher surface will produce a lower-pitched sound. You can use a variety of techniques to create different textures, including scratching the surface with a file or sanding block, or using a series of small bumps or ridges to create a more complex sound. The key is to experiment and find the texture that works best for you and the sound you’re trying to achieve.
In addition to shaping the slate or glass surface, you’ll also need to shape the striker to fit the call. The striker is the small piece of wood or plastic that you use to run over the surface of the call, and is responsible for producing the sound of the call. You can use a variety of materials for the striker, including wood, plastic, or even metal, depending on the sound you’re trying to achieve. The key is to choose a material that’s durable enough to withstand repeated use, but also soft enough to produce a smooth, even sound.
Assembling the Call
Assembling the call is the final step in making a slate turkey call, and requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. The first step is to attach the slate or glass surface to the wooden soundboard using a strong adhesive. You’ll need to apply a small amount of adhesive to the surface and the soundboard, and then press the two pieces together to create a strong bond.
Once the adhesive has dried, you can start to assemble the rest of the call. This will typically involve attaching a small piece of wood or plastic to the soundboard to create a handle, and then adding a few decorative touches, such as a piece of tape or a small amount of paint, to finish the call. The key is to keep the design simple and functional, while also making sure that the call is durable enough to withstand repeated use. You can use a variety of materials for the handle, including wood, plastic, or even metal, depending on your personal preference and the sound you’re trying to achieve.
In addition to assembling the call, you’ll also need to test it to make sure it’s working properly. This will involve running the striker over the surface of the call to produce the sound of a turkey, and then making any necessary adjustments to the surface or the striker to get the sound just right. You can use a variety of techniques to test the call, including listening to the sound it produces, or using a sound meter to measure the frequency and amplitude of the sound. The key is to be patient and persistent, and to keep making adjustments until you get the sound you’re looking for.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if my slate turkey call is too loud or too quiet?
If your slate turkey call is too loud or too quiet, there are a few things you can try to adjust the sound. One of the most effective ways to reduce the volume of the call is to use a softer striker, or to apply a small amount of tape or wax to the surface of the call. This will help to dampen the sound and reduce the volume. On the other hand, if the call is too quiet, you can try using a harder striker, or applying a small amount of oil or lubricant to the surface of the call. This will help to increase the volume and produce a brighter, more resonant sound.
Another thing you can try is to adjust the shape or texture of the slate or glass surface. A smoother surface will produce a higher-pitched sound, while a rougher surface will produce a lower-pitched sound. You can use a variety of techniques to create different textures, including scratching the surface with a file or sanding block, or using a series of small bumps or ridges to create a more complex sound. The key is to experiment and find the texture that works best for you and the sound you’re trying to achieve.
Can I use a slate turkey call in wet or humid conditions?
Yes, you can use a slate turkey call in wet or humid conditions, but you’ll need to take a few precautions to protect the call. One of the most important things you can do is to apply a waterproof coating to the surface of the call, such as a clear varnish or a waterproof wax. This will help to protect the call from moisture and prevent it from becoming damaged or compromised.
You should also avoid using the call in extremely wet or humid conditions, such as during a heavy rainstorm or in a damp, humid environment. This can cause the call to become waterlogged or damaged, which can affect the sound it produces. Instead, try to use the call in dry, sunny conditions, or in a well-ventilated area where the air is dry and clean. This will help to preserve the call and ensure that it continues to produce a high-quality sound.
How do I store and maintain my slate turkey call?
To store and maintain your slate turkey call, you should keep it in a dry, cool place, such as a closet or a drawer. You should avoid exposing the call to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause it to become damaged or compromised. You should also avoid touching the surface of the call, as the oils from your skin can affect the sound it produces.
Instead, you can store the call in a protective case or bag, such as a soft cloth pouch or a hard plastic case. This will help to protect the call from damage and keep it clean and dry. You should also clean the call regularly, using a soft cloth and a mild soap or cleaning solution. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the surface of the call, and keep it sounding its best.
Can I make a slate turkey call with a glass surface?
Yes, you can make a slate turkey call with a glass surface, and it’s actually a popular alternative to traditional slate calls. Glass surfaces can produce a brighter, more resonant sound than slate, and they’re often easier to work with and shape. To make a glass surface call, you’ll need to start by selecting a piece of glass that’s the right size and shape for your call. You can use a variety of types of glass, including plate glass, tempered glass, or even glass from an old window or bottle.
How long does it take to make a slate turkey call?
The amount of time it takes to make a slate turkey call can vary depending on your level of experience and the complexity of the design. If you’re a beginner, it may take you several hours or even days to complete the call, as you’ll need to learn the basics of shaping and assembling the call. However, if you’re more experienced, you can often complete a call in just a few hours or even less.