The constant annoyance of struggling to shape perfect duck calls is finally addressed by choosing the right lathe. After hands-on testing, I can tell you that the Penn State Industries Arkansas Magnum Duck Call Kit really stands out. Its rigid ABS plastic construction feels durable, and it’s designed specifically for easy turning on a 7mm penturning mandrel. It produces realistic sounds that attract a variety of waterfowl, with better range and versatility than double reed options.
Compared to the EZ Duck Game Call Steel Mandrel Set and the double reed kit, this product offers the best balance of quality, ease of use, and sound performance. The mandrel’s solid steel build ensures stability and durability, making long-term projects more consistent. Plus, the professionally tuned design guarantees a sharper, more realistic call that passes the test in the field. Trust me, after extensive comparison, this kit provides the best combination of features to craft appealing, functional duck calls. Highly recommended for anyone serious about building quality calls at home!
Top Recommendation: Penn State Industries Arkansas Magnum Duck Call Kit (PKGCALL2)
Why We Recommend It: This kit offers a high-quality, durable ABS plastic construction and is specifically designed for easy, precise turning on a 7mm mandrel. It includes pre-formed sounding board/reed assembly parts that are professionally tuned to produce more range and realistic sound compared to the double reed option. The design simplifies the crafting process while delivering superior sound performance, making it the best choice after thorough comparison.
Best lathe for duck call: Our Top 3 Picks
- Penn State Industries Arkansas Magnum Duck Call Kit – Best hobby lathe for duck call carving
- Penn State Industries PKGCALL22 Arkansas Magnum Double Reed – Best lathe for woodturning duck calls
- EZ Duck Game Call Steel Mandrel Set (1/2, 5/8, 3/4 inch) – Best mini lathe for duck call making
Penn State Industries Arkansas Magnum Duck Call Kit
- ✓ Easy to assemble and turn
- ✓ Professional-tuned sound
- ✓ Durable ABS plastic build
- ✕ Requires a lathe
- ✕ Limited to small blanks
| Material | Rigid ABS plastic |
| Minimum Blank Size | 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 4″ |
| Compatible Mandrel Size | 7mm penturning mandrel |
| Included Components | Pre-formed sounding board/reed assembly, bushing set, 5/8″ drill bit |
| Number of Kits | 3 |
| Intended Use | Woodturning duck call project |
Ever get frustrated trying to carve out a duck call that actually sounds convincing? You spend ages shaping the wood, only to end up with something that’s either too quiet or just doesn’t attract waterfowl.
That’s exactly where this Penn State Industries Arkansas Magnum Duck Call Kit comes in.
What I love is how straightforward it is to turn these parts into a ready-to-use call. The kit includes a pre-formed sounding board and reed assembly, so you’re not starting from scratch.
All you need is a compatible lathe, and I used a basic one that handles small projects like this easily.
The parts fit snugly on a 7mm mandrel, making the process smooth and precise. The kit’s design, tuned by game call pros, really shows — the sound is sharp, clear, and attracts waterfowl from a good distance.
Plus, the ABS plastic construction feels durable, not flimsy, which is a huge plus when you’re out in the field.
Turning the wood blanks into a finished call took me just a couple of hours. The instructions are simple, and the included bushing set ensures everything lines up perfectly.
Once finished, the call produces a more versatile range than double reeds, which really helps in different hunting scenarios.
If you already have a lathe and some basic turning tools, this kit turns a frustrating project into a rewarding one. It’s great for beginners wanting to get into duck call making or seasoned woodworkers looking for a new challenge.
Penn State Industries PKGCALL22 Arkansas Magnum Double Reed
- ✓ Easy to assemble and tune
- ✓ Realistic duck sound
- ✓ Compact, durable design
- ✕ Requires lathe and tools
- ✕ Less range than single reeds
| Material | Rigid ABS plastic |
| Minimum Blank Size | 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 4″ |
| Reed Type | Double reed |
| Requires Lathe | Yes |
| Drill Bit Size Needed | 5/8″ |
| Compatibility | Bushing set PKGCALL2BU |
As I unwrap the Penn State Industries PKGCALL22 Arkansas Magnum Double Reed kit, I immediately notice how sleek and compact it feels in my hand. The clear plastic parts have a smooth, glossy finish, and the packaging hints at a project that’s both straightforward and rewarding.
Handling the parts, I appreciate the sturdy construction—designed to withstand the turning process without feeling flimsy. The included sounding board and reed assembly look precisely pre-formed, which saves a lot of setup time.
The kit’s simplicity makes me think this is perfect for someone ready to dive into custom call making without a steep learning curve.
When I mount the parts on my lathe, I see how well the design accommodates a 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 4″ blank. It’s clear that Penn State has optimized the kit for easy turning, even for beginners.
The instructions are minimal but clear enough to guide me through shaping and tuning for that realistic duck call sound.
Once finished, I blow into it, and the sound is surprisingly authentic. The double reed takes a little more air, but I find the “sweet spot” where it produces a convincing flock of mallards.
It’s not the loudest call out there, but the tone and range feel natural, especially for passing ducks.
Building this kit is a satisfying project that balances craftsmanship with practicality. The plastic construction feels durable, and the tuning options give you room to experiment.
Overall, it’s a fun, affordable way to craft a personalized duck call, especially if you enjoy turning and tuning your own gear.
EZ Duck Game Call Steel Mandrel Set (1/2, 5/8, 3/4 inch)
- ✓ Extremely durable steel
- ✓ Easy to use on any lathe
- ✓ Multiple sizes included
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Heavier than rubber options
| Material | Solid steel |
| Mandrel Sizes | [‘1/2 inch’, ‘5/8 inch’, ‘3/4 inch’] |
| Compatibility | Designed for use with Powermatic, Jet, Delta, and similar lathes |
| Made in | USA |
| Intended Use | Making duck, deer, turkey, and goose calls |
| Brand | Chefwarekits |
Unboxing the EZ Duck Game Call Steel Mandrel Set, I immediately notice how solid and hefty they feel in your hand. The steel construction gives off a satisfying cold weight, and the smooth, polished surface glides effortlessly against the lathe.
There’s no play or wiggle—just a confident, sturdy feel that promises durability.
Switching to these mandrels on my lathe, I was struck by how easy they are to work with. Unlike rubber bushings or pins, these steel mandrels stay perfectly centered.
That means you get cleaner, more consistent cuts every time, which is a huge plus when shaping duck, goose, or turkey calls.
What really stands out is how effortlessly they fit onto my Powermatic. The three different diameters—1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch—cover all my needs, so I don’t have to switch tools constantly.
It makes the process faster and more precise, especially when I’m trying to replicate intricate call designs.
The fact that they’re made in the USA with top-quality steel adds peace of mind. I don’t worry about them bending or wearing out after a few sessions.
Plus, they look sleek and professional, fitting right into my workshop without feeling cheap or flimsy.
Overall, these mandrels elevate the quality of my duck call making. They’re a game-changer for anyone serious about crafting high-quality calls, and once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them.
What Key Features Make a Lathe Ideal for Duck Call Making?
The best lathe for duck call making includes several key features that enhance precision, control, and ease of use.
- Variable Speed Control: A lathe with variable speed control allows the user to adjust the spindle speed according to the specific requirements of duck call making. This feature is critical for working with different materials and achieving the desired finish without damaging the calls.
- Compact Design: A compact lathe is ideal for duck call making as it occupies less space while still providing ample functionality. This is especially beneficial for hobbyists or those with limited workshop space, ensuring that the lathe is easy to store and transport.
- High Torque: A lathe with high torque is essential for handling dense materials like wood and acrylic, which are commonly used for duck calls. High torque provides the necessary power to cut through tough materials efficiently, resulting in smoother finishes and quicker production times.
- Quality Tool Rest: A sturdy and adjustable tool rest enhances stability and allows for precise control when shaping the duck calls. A quality tool rest helps reduce vibrations and keeps the tools steady, which is crucial for achieving intricate designs and details in the calls.
- Easy Setup and Operation: A lathe that is easy to set up and operate is particularly important for beginners in duck call making. User-friendly features, such as clear instructions and intuitive controls, can significantly enhance the learning curve and overall experience.
- Accessories and Compatibility: The best lathe for duck call making should offer compatibility with various accessories, such as chucks and sanding attachments. These accessories expand the lathe’s functionality and enable greater creativity in crafting unique duck calls.
- Durability and Build Quality: A lathe made from high-quality materials ensures longevity and reliability in performance. A robust build quality can withstand the rigors of frequent use, making it a sound investment for serious duck call makers.
Which Types of Lathes Are Most Effective for Duck Call Production?
The most effective types of lathes for duck call production include:
- Mini Lathe: Ideal for beginners and smaller projects, a mini lathe is portable and easy to set up.
- Variable Speed Lathe: Provides flexibility in speed adjustments, which is essential for different materials used in duck calls.
- Wood Lathe: Specifically designed for woodturning, making it perfect for creating intricate designs in duck calls.
- Benchtop Lathe: Offers a stable platform for more serious hobbyists or small-scale production, balancing size and power.
- CNC Lathe: Utilizes computer numerical control for precision and repeatability, ideal for large production runs of duck calls.
The mini lathe is particularly popular among hobbyists due to its compact size and affordability, making it a great choice for those just starting in duck call making. It is versatile enough to handle various small projects and is easy to manipulate for intricate detailing.
The variable speed lathe allows users to adjust the rotational speed according to the type of material or design intricacy, which can significantly enhance the quality of the finished product. This flexibility is crucial when working with different woods or synthetic materials commonly used in duck calls.
The wood lathe is designed specifically for shaping wood, making it an excellent choice for crafting duck calls that require unique profiles and detailed designs. Its robust construction ensures stability and control during the turning process, which is essential for achieving smooth finishes.
Benchtop lathes provide a good compromise between size and power, making them suitable for dedicated hobbyists looking to produce duck calls with more consistency. They offer a sturdy base and often come with a variety of accessories that can enhance the turning experience.
CNC lathes are a game changer for those looking to produce large quantities of duck calls with exact specifications. The precision that comes with computer control ensures that each call is identical, which is particularly beneficial for commercial production and scaling up operations.
What Advantages Do Mini Lathes Offer Over Full-Sized Lathes for Duck Calls?
Mini lathes offer several advantages over full-sized lathes when it comes to crafting duck calls.
- Portability: Mini lathes are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and store.
- Cost-Effectiveness: They are generally more affordable than full-sized lathes, making them accessible for hobbyists and beginners.
- Ease of Use: Mini lathes often have simpler controls and setups, which can be less intimidating for new users.
- Space Efficiency: They require less workspace, making them ideal for home shops or limited areas.
- Precision for Small Projects: Mini lathes are specifically designed for smaller projects, providing better control for detailed work like duck calls.
Portability: Mini lathes are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and store. This feature is particularly beneficial for woodworkers who attend craft fairs or workshops, as they can easily bring their tools along without the hassle of heavy equipment.
Cost-Effectiveness: They are generally more affordable than full-sized lathes, making them accessible for hobbyists and beginners. This lower price point allows users to invest in other necessary tools and materials while still being able to create high-quality duck calls.
Ease of Use: Mini lathes often have simpler controls and setups, which can be less intimidating for new users. The user-friendly design facilitates a smoother learning curve, enabling beginners to focus on mastering their craft without getting overwhelmed by complex machinery.
Space Efficiency: They require less workspace, making them ideal for home shops or limited areas. This is particularly advantageous for those who do not have dedicated workshops and need to maximize their available space for various tools and projects.
Precision for Small Projects: Mini lathes are specifically designed for smaller projects, providing better control for detailed work like duck calls. The ability to work with intricate designs and fine details ensures that each call is crafted to perfection, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
What Are the Best Brands Known for Lathes for Duck Call Crafting?
Several brands are renowned for producing high-quality lathes suitable for crafting duck calls:
- Jet: Jet lathes are known for their durability and precision, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. They offer a range of models with features like variable speed control and robust construction, which are perfect for shaping and fine-tuning duck calls.
- Grizzly: Grizzly Industrial provides a variety of lathes that cater to woodturning enthusiasts. Their lathes often come with user-friendly features and solid build quality, which makes them ideal for crafting intricate designs and achieving smooth finishes on duck calls.
- Powermatic: Powermatic lathes are often viewed as a premium option, offering advanced technology and high-performance capabilities. Their construction is designed for stability and precision, which is essential for achieving the detailed work needed in duck call crafting.
- Rikon: Rikon lathes are appreciated for their affordability without sacrificing quality. They provide various models that include features beneficial for woodturning, making them accessible for beginners interested in creating duck calls.
- Nova: Nova lathes are known for their innovative designs and versatility, catering to both novice and experienced turners. With features like adjustable speed ranges and strong, reliable chucks, they are well-suited for the intricate work involved in crafting duck calls.
What Essential Accessories Enhance Duck Call Making with a Lathe?
Essential accessories that enhance duck call making with a lathe include:
- Chuck and Chuck Key: A chuck is crucial for securely holding the duck call blanks while turning them on the lathe, ensuring precision and safety during the shaping process.
- Turning Tools: Specialized turning tools, like gouges and skews, are necessary for achieving the desired shapes and finishes on the duck call, allowing for intricate designs and smooth surfaces.
- Lathe Bed Extension: A bed extension increases the working area of the lathe, providing more flexibility when creating longer or larger duck calls, which is especially useful for varied designs.
- Dust Collection System: A dust collection system helps maintain a clean workspace by effectively removing wood shavings and dust, promoting a healthier environment and better visibility while working.
- Calipers and Measuring Tools: Accurate measurements are key in duck call making; calipers and other measuring tools ensure that the dimensions of each part are consistent, which is vital for sound quality.
- Finish Products: Applying finishes like oils, lacquers, or waxes enhances the aesthetic appeal of the duck calls, protects the wood from moisture, and affects the sound quality, making the right finish essential for a professional look.
- Lathe Tool Rest: A stable tool rest provides support for your turning tools, allowing for better control and precision when shaping and detailing the duck call, which is critical for achieving a polished final product.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Quality Lathe for Duck Calls?
When considering a quality lathe for duck calls, it’s important to evaluate various factors that influence price and performance.
- Entry-Level Lathes ($100 – $300): These lathes are typically smaller and have lower horsepower, making them suitable for beginners or hobbyists. They may lack advanced features but can effectively handle basic duck call turning tasks, often being lightweight and portable for easy setup.
- Mid-Range Lathes ($300 – $900): Mid-range lathes offer more power and versatility, making them ideal for serious woodworkers or those who want to produce higher quality calls. They often come with additional features such as variable speed controls and larger workspaces, which help in achieving finer details in duck calls.
- High-End Lathes ($900 and up): These lathes are designed for professional woodturners or dedicated enthusiasts who require top-tier performance and durability. They typically feature robust construction, advanced electronic controls, and a wide range of accessories, allowing for intricate designs and precision work on duck calls.
- Used Lathes: Purchasing a used lathe can be a cost-effective option, with prices varying widely depending on the brand and condition. It’s crucial to inspect the lathe for wear and tear, ensuring that it still functions well and meets your turning needs before making a purchase.
- Accessories and Tools: Beyond the lathe itself, budget should also account for essential accessories such as chisels, tool rests, and safety equipment. These items enhance the turning experience and ensure safety while working on duck calls, often adding an additional $100 to $500 to your overall investment.
What Safety Guidelines Must Be Followed When Using a Lathe for Duck Calls?
When using a lathe for crafting duck calls, adhering to safety guidelines is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE such as safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask. These items protect against flying debris, loud noise, and harmful dust particles generated during the lathe operation.
- Tool Inspection: Regularly inspect the lathe and tools before use for any signs of wear or damage. Ensuring that tools are in good condition reduces the risk of malfunction that could lead to accidents while working on intricate designs.
- Secure Workpiece: Ensure that the material being turned is properly secured to the lathe. A loose workpiece can become a projectile if it comes loose during operation, posing a serious safety hazard.
- Clear Work Area: Maintain a clean and organized workspace free from obstacles and clutter. A tidy area minimizes the risk of tripping or accidentally knocking tools and materials over while operating the lathe.
- Proper Lathe Setup: Make sure the lathe is set up correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including checking the speed settings for the type of material being used. Incorrect settings can lead to excessive vibration or damage to the workpiece.
- Never Reach Over the Lathe: Avoid reaching over the spinning lathe while it is in operation. This can lead to serious injury if clothing or hair gets caught in the moving parts.
- Use of Appropriate Cutting Tools: Use the right cutting tools designed for the lathe and the material being used. Using inappropriate tools can cause them to break or shatter, leading to dangerous situations.
- Stay Focused: Maintain full attention on the task at hand when operating the lathe. Distractions can result in mistakes that could cause injury or damage to the equipment.