Slate and striker prep

[time4turks]

So I am turkey hunting this year for the first time in many years. I have an old Tiny Coiner slate call that I bought back in the late 70s. It is a cool little call and sounds pretty good even in my untrained hands. I have a piece of 200 grit sandpaper to prep the slate, but I wondered if I need to do anything with the striker to prepare it? Do I hit the slate with the sandpaper and go with it? Or do I need to hit the striker with the sandpaper as well?

Sorry for the nubie question.

[Greg Massey]

i wouldn't use sandpaper at all .. get you a piece of green scotch brite pad use that on the slate and rub it on the striker tip.. sand the slate from side to side not in a circle..

[Dr Juice]

i wouldn't use sandpaper at all .. get you a piece of green scotch brite pad use that on the slate and rub it on the striker tip.. sand the slate from side to side not in a circle..

X2. Grand slam recommendations.

[SteelerFan]

That Coiner call has a small burnt peg striker. I wouldn't touch it with sandpaper. (like others said - use a green scotchbrite on the slate)

[time4turks]

Sounds good. I am pretty sure the call came with the sandpaper, but I will ditch that and use the scotch brite.

Steelerfan, that call is exactly like the one I have. I wonder if Tiny is still making them?

[Greg Massey]

time4turks ... sandpaper was probably around before we got these nice scotch brite pads.. They are just a lot better now than sandpaper a lot of the old calls came with sandpaper..

[Dr Juice]

That Coiner call has a small burnt peg striker. I wouldn't touch it with sandpaper. (like others said - use a green scotchbrite on the slate)

X2

[silvestris]

Nothing but Scotchbright on slate.  Cleaning the surface of the caller or the end of the striker with an alcohol prep or a rag moistened with rubbing alcohol will remove any oil that may be on the surfaces before using the Scotchbright works well as the alcohol will clean and quickly evaporate.  Alcohol is also good for a box that has lost its charm.

[SteelerFan]

Sounds good. I am pretty sure the call came with the sandpaper, but I will ditch that and use the scotch brite.

Steelerfan, that call is exactly like the one I have. I wonder if Tiny is still making them?

I thought I read somewhere that he had passed away years ago. Maybe someone more familiar can chime in.

Definitely a cool little call, and a little piece of turkey hunting history.

[wvmntnhick]

Call me crazy but I've had some slates that didn't respond well to just using scotchbrite pads. In fact, a couple were destined for the dumpster until I hit them with some rough paper. Heck, the last two I used the rough side of my slick stick and they turned around to the point that I decided to keep them. 

[MerriamMac]

For the most part use green scrub pads but if you cant seem to get the sound you want try some sand paper. If you don't like the sound, try a different striker or playing style. Of course, Id try those recommendations in reverse order.