drilling perfect holes

[trooperjd]

I make one piece calls and utilize an expanding mandrel.  I drill a 9/32 all the way through and 1/2 partial way for exhaust end.  My lathe tailstock only extends 2.5 inches and drill press 3 inches.  Please share any tips on how to drill a call longer than 3.5 inches and how to drill both holes that will align perfectly so holes are perfect.  You guys are great mentors and i try to soak up all I can.

[Jack at Mud Creek Game Calls]

Here's what I did but probably not what you want to hear. I went out and bought a new drill press that has a 4" spindle travel. Before that I would drill as deep as I could then raise the table, that got pretty tedious and I still wasn't getting perfect holes. I tried drilling on my lathe but it's a 30 year old craftsman and I could never get anything close to satisfactory drilling results on it. 
BTW I now start with my exhaust and drill about 2" deep. switch bits w/o moving the blank and finish out the 9/32 hole. I then slightly counter sink the hole on the mouth piece on the lathe to remove any chipping from drilling out that end.

[Wane]

I don't know if this will help but here are some links on drilling that I fond very interesting and informative.

http://thogamecallsforums.com/index.php/topic,13628.0.html

http://thogamecallsforums.com/index.php/topic,12955.0.html

[Greg at PTDO Game Calls]

I drill my 9/32 hole all the way through then switch to a taperless bit. A step-up bit without the ridges. without moving the call. Its just a start for my bell end.
Maybe run your bit a little farther out of the chuck or even try to find a longer bit?

[jawaterfowl]

My drill press has a 4" spindle travel.  ( Porter cable drill press - $299 at Lowes-I LOVE IT!!).  Another option, IF YOU HAD A JAW CHUCK would be to just slide the entire tailstock assembly into the blank (with a bit and drill chuck inserted obviously).  Other then those two options, I dont know.  I will say, shy of the lathe, that drill press was one of the best things I have bought as I used to have the sam problem with the craftsman I had.  Plus if you figure on sellling what you have after buying a new one the cost wouldnt be that bad.  It is already a VERY reasonably priced unit for what you are going to get in my opinion.

Jonathan

[Brian at DDT Game Calls]

What kinda call are you talking about?

[trooperjd]

Mainly a one peice predator call with 1/2 inch exhaust and 9/32 hole on the other for JC reed and sleeve.  I will be trying my hand at an open reed but, one step at a time for now.  I want to perfect this step first.