For a video on how to use one of our public jigs, click here!
The number one problem customers have with our P1 public jig is locking up or not being able to really blow hard on the call. This usually is the result of having too much back pressure or not getting enough air under the reed and through the call. Usually just a bit of sanding or changing your dimensions slightly will result in a great sounding call.
I try to remind customers that even though we designed this to be a more refined jig, this is still a public jig. It is meant to cut the cork notch and the basic shape of the toneboard. A large part of having a great sounding call is still in the hands of the call maker. Our calls are made from this same jig, so great sounding calls can be made from it. No two toneboards are exactly alike. Two toneboards, cut from the same jig can have different sounds or need different amounts of tuning to get the same sound.
Here are some dimensions that will help get you started when making a duck call with Pintail Waterfowls P1 public jig. (NOTE** These dimensions will not work with our P3 Jig)
Here is another older write up I did:
We decided to put up some of the specs to help callmakers using our jig, troubleshoot any issues they may be having. While we have very few issues with out jig, 99% of the issues are with the call locking up. These issues usually pertain to having too small of an exhaust port or minor sanding.
Exhaust port (Fig A) . Our calls use a large exhaust port of 1/2″. These taper down to 1/4″ of the course of 1.5″ (fig C)
Drill depth stops exactly 1/2″ before the end of the toneboard (Fig B)
Our reed are cut at a 45 degree angle on the end (Fig D)
Lastly, if the dimensions you use are exactly to the specs provided in the picture, and you are still locking up, a little sanding is needed (Fig E). A very light (1000 grit) sanding is usually all the needs to be done. This is usually done from the end of the toneboard in the undrilled area (Fig B) and roughly 1/4″ under the reed. The sharp cut at the end of the toneboard can also be rounded over a bit. Another trick, is to run your thumb, under the reed to “flex” it up just a hair to help get enough air under the reed.
Sound is way to high??? any ideas????
You can lengthen the reed to lower the pitch. Also make sure the tone channel is deep enough, but a longer reed will lower the pitch. Just slide the reed down just a hair at a time and check it.