When I got started I had what I thought was terrible run out. I used a bit I found in the barn. I used my calipers set on fraction mode and it said 5/8. When I found the "Run out" problem later, I went back through everything trying to find the problem. I soon discovered my bit was not a true 5/8= .625, it was way oversize. I can't remember the number .695 or something like that. On fraction mode my calipers said 5/8 but a true number was way over size. I went and paid for a good bitthat was a true .625 and all my problems went away.
I bore all my barrels on a drill press. I built a vice out of a 4 X 4 and a
2 X 4 that clamps down to the base of the drill press. I got the plans out of a duck call making book my wofe bought me. It is much easier for me to use that set up than it is to use the lathe for boring. I have a big C-clamp on the wall. When I add a new blank to the wooden vice I slide that C-clamp on and give it one twist and that is it, the blank is locked in and the drill fluying through it.
