Drill press

[N Ferrell]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and new to making duck calls I don't know a whole lot about what I need so I hope I'm not bothering anyone. But I was wondering if this drill press would work for drilling the holes in the middle of my calls. (http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Genesis-8-In.-5-Speed-Drill-Press/0000000074430?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=shopping%2Bsearch&utm_campaign=google%2Bproduct%20search&gslfah&gclid=CJWDmLfGuckCFQkxaQod7SgIEw) hopefully someone can help thanks in advance

[VECtor Calls]

I am not sure how to convert amps to hp into the idea of how much torque that press will handle.  A 5/8" bit biting through really dense wood is going to need some fairly good juice.

I see it only accepts a 1/2" bit, so you will need a reduced shank bit for your 5/8" barrel drilling.

The other issue I see/don't see, is it doesn't say anything about quill travel. You will want it to be able to drop, I would think, 3 1/2" minimum for making duck calls.

I think most guys who don't have the room or money for a full size drill press tend to buy a 4 jaw chuck for a 1/2HP lathe or bigger, and drill on the lathe. Drilling on the lathe is much more accurate for sure.

[FDR]

There are a series of reviews on Amazon you might want to read before you buy!

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-GDP500-8-Inch-5-Speed-Drill/dp/B004RDWIF6

The advice to drill on your lathe is right on!

[Scott Ward]

Yes, to drill press for holes, even the toneboard hole, if your careful.  That's how I do it.

[Tom Hamilton]

I am not sure how to convert amps to hp

746W = 1hp
2.5A@120V = 300W
300W/746 = 0.4hp

Happy Turning - Tom

[Tom Hamilton]

The best way to drill calls that I've found is with the lathe.  Use a 4 jaw chuck with pin jaws to hold and spin the wood, then use a Jacobs chuck on a Morse taper in your tail stock holding the bit for drilling.  You'll get nice straight holes.

I've used this method for wood, stabilized wood, wood/acrylic and acrylic with very good results.

No drill press needed.

Happy Turning - Tom