Maintaining a glass call in good condition is necessary to create lifelike turkey sounds and draw in cautious birds. A glass call’s surface may get worn down and pitted with time, which will lower the sound quality. This tutorial will give you a thorough rundown of how to recondition the glass call’s surface and bring back its original efficacy and sound.
Methods for Re-Conditioning a Glass Call:
1. Sandpaper:
- Grit: For harder surfaces like glass, use 80 to 40 grit sandpaper.
- Sanding Technique: Sand in one direction only, not in circles. This creates grooves that will enhance the sound of your call.
- Caution: Be careful not to over-sand, as this can damage the call.
2. Diamond Stone:
- Diamond Grit: Choose a diamond stone with a grit of 220 or higher.
- Stone Technique: Use a back-and-forth motion to smooth the surface of the call.
- Benefits: Diamond stones are more durable than sandpaper and provide a finer finish.
3. Primos Slick Stick:
- Tool: This handy tool features two sides: a diamond-coated side for re-grooving and a stone side for smoothing.
- Ease of Use: The Slick Stick is a convenient and effective option for re-conditioning glass calls.
- Cost: The Slick Stick is readily available online and at hunting supply stores.
4. Glass Etching Paste:
- Application: Apply the paste to the call surface and let it sit for the recommended time.
- Rinse: Rinse the paste thoroughly with water.
- Caution: Etching paste can be harsh, so wear gloves and protect your eyes.
5. Dremel Tool with Abrasive Stone Wheel:
- Tool: This method requires a Dremel tool with an abrasive stone wheel.
- Speed: Use a high speed setting.
- Caution: Be careful not to overheat the call, as this can cause cracking.
Additional Tips:
- Clean the Call: Before re-conditioning, clean the call thoroughly with soap and water.
- Test the Call: After re-conditioning, test the call to ensure it produces the desired sound.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly re-condition your glass call to maintain its optimal performance.
Re-conditioning the surface of your glass call is an essential step in maintaining its sound quality and effectiveness. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can restore your call to its original glory and attract more turkeys during your hunts. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and experience level, and always prioritize safety when using tools or chemicals.
TURKEY POT CALLS / HOW TO USE:
- Yelping – Make small circles 1/2” to 1” in length. Some people prefer making a “J” shape.
- Clucking: Pull the peg 1/8″ to 1″ gently in your direction.
- Purring: Pull the peg gently in your direction in a half-circle.
- Pull the peg 1/4″ to 3/8″ in the direction you want to cut or ackle.
- To achieve proper turkey sound, apply more pressure to peg.
Choose one of Preston Pittman’s turkey pot calls made of slate, aluminum, glass and/or crystal. Remember to always keep the surface well sanded before each hunt. Never rub calling surface with your hand. Avoid letting oil or grease come into contact with the surface; if it does, just sand the affected area properly. Harder surfaces, such as glass or crystal, need to almost be cut. Softer surfaces require the opposite.
- Use sandpaper with a coarse grit, such as a 60-grit, on glass or crystal.
- Never use sandpaper with a coarser grain than 220 grit when working with slate or aluminum. Finer is better. Scuff pads are best.
- The most common technique for sanding hard surfaces, such as glass and crystal, is crisscross sanding. Results from sanding should be similar to “###” marks on the caller. This insures that the caller can call from any direction.
- When smoothing soft, grainy surfaces such as slate, use only sand with the grain. When calling, pull the striker across the grain. Aluminum can be cross-brushed, but remember to use a scuff pad or fine sandpaper on slate and aluminum.
- Hold the pot only by the rim. Keep your fingers off the pot’s bottom for optimal volume.
- To lower the volume, try holding the pot in the palm of your hand or placing your hand on the bottom of it.
- The closer you hold the turkey call to the pot’s edge, the higher the pitch. As you approach the center of the pot, the sound will become louder and more intense.
- The more the peg is tilted, the coarser the sound.
- These tips will allow you to smoothly switch between tones and replicate the sound of a flock of turkeys in any of Preston’s turkey pot calls.