Slate Surface wearing out??

[Mr. Nasty]

Hey guys,

I've been running the same slate call for the last 15 years plus. Its my main most confidence call. Its getting to the point where I don't think its sounding like it used to. Have any of yall had any experience with wearing a call out? Or am I just being paranoid right before the season opens? I've done my best to always keep the surface clean and protect it. I have a drawer full of other pot calls, but like I said, this is my confidence call.

[Bowguy]

There's no one magic call so don't sweat this too much. I've never run a slate out but I'm not slate crazy. Did you happen to clean striker tip?

[paboxcall]

Possible the call is changing - either its the glue isn't holding the slate surface as tightly, or more likely you're abrading the surface cleaning it. So its thinner than it was 15 years ago.

Each time you clean the slate surface with scotchbrite, etc., the action is abrasive, and you are eroding a very small layer of the slate away with each wipe. Over time, wiping the slate surface will result in the slate becoming microscopically thinner with each cleaning.

For example a buddy I hunted with for years wore a small hole into the middle his little jet slate from cleaning and prepping it. Took about twenty years, but a small hole none the less.

While I get its your go-to call, lots of great pot call makers on this forum who can build you a new one! Good excuse to spend a few bucks.

[JLH]

Possible the call is changing - either its the glue isn't holding the slate surface as tightly, or more likely you're abrading the surface cleaning it. So its thinner than it was 15 years ago.

Each time you clean the slate surface with scotchbrite, etc., the action is abrasive, and you are eroding a very small layer of the slate away with each wipe. Over time, wiping the slate surface will result in the slate becoming microscopically thinner with each cleaning.

For example a buddy I hunted with for years wore a small hole into the middle his little jet slate from cleaning and prepping it. Took about twenty years, but a small hole none the less.

While I get its your go-to call, lots of great pot call makers on this forum who can build you a new one! Good excuse to spend a few bucks.

I'll have to agree with this...

But I'd venture to guess that it's the glue rather than the slate failing.

A lot can happen over time...moisture can get into the wood if it isn't sealed properly.

I've actually heard  guys run their call with the glue lose....I mention it to them and they say "it always sounds like that".

Which is exactly why I buy a minium of 10 calls a year!!!

[Bowguy]

I think I'd be betting on the glue as well. 15 years isn't really all that long. The avg slate call wouldn't see enough use I'd bet to wear holes in it. That's possible though too I guess.

[mastevt]

If your worried it's too thin, have it replaced.  I've replaced surfaces on my calls many times.  It's not hard.  If you think it's too much for you to handle.  Send it to me.  I'll replace the slate for ya.

[JLH]

If your worried it's too thin, have it replaced.  I've replaced surfaces on my calls many times.  It's not hard.  If you think it's too much for you to handle.  Send it to me.  I'll replace the slate for ya.

For only $49.95!....lol

Seriously, that's a great offer!!!  The cost of shipping and a piece of slate and your trusty calll is as good as new!

[Mr. Nasty]

Would I be able to tell if the glue wasn't holding the slate as tightly as it should by holding it and running the call? I've got a bad feeling its from me cleaning it too much with a scotchbrite pad. I'll also try cleaning the tip of my striker. Part of the problem is comparing my old trusty to these new glass surfaced calls I've been buying.

[davisd9]

I get what you are saying about a confidence call.  May not be a magic call but there are some we just trust.  Hope you can get it figured out!

[M,Yingling]

could be any of the above ,, just got say if u think its still good enough i would use it

Scott made u great offer to change it out but got to remember that just may as well change sound also different glue slate then the original