I've just started on call making, I'm almost through with call #3 so I'm a real novice at it. I use a Jet mini lathe, my drill press and my band saw the get the blanks trimmed down. I use my grinder to keep the turning tools sharp, along with a sharpening jig.
There are methods to do it without a lathe but I haven't researched them. I have turned some strikers but I kind of want to try to hand carve a couple. I think if done right, they would be cool looking.