Part 2: Tools for Drilling on the Lathe

In Part One of this series, we covered the basic tools needed to start turning a duck call on the lathe. Now, in Part Two, we’ll focus on the tools used for drilling on the lathe—a critical step that allows you to complete about 95% of the call-making process without ever leaving the machine.

Drilling on the lathe not only saves space but also keeps your workflow efficient and precise. Below, we’ll walk through the essential tools for drilling duck calls directly on your lathe setup.

Essential Tools for Drilling on the Lathe

Jacob’s Chuck (Drill Chuck)

A Jacob’s chuck is a must-have for drilling on the lathe. It mounts into the tailstock and securely holds your drill bits, working similarly to a drill press—but with a key difference. On the lathe, the chuck remains stationary while the wood blank spins. This setup provides smooth, centered holes with excellent control and precision.

5/8” Drill Bit

This is the standard size used to drill out duck call barrels. A quality 5/8” bit gives you the airflow and tone chamber size most hunters expect from a single-reed or double-reed call.

1/4” Drill Bit with Drill Stops

When drilling the tone channel in a duck call insert, a 1/4” bit is commonly used. Drill stops are highly recommended for this step—they let you control the depth of the tone channel and ensure consistency across multiple inserts. Once you find the right depth that gives you the sound you want, a drill stop makes it easy to repeat.

Stepped or Stepless Drill Bits

These bits are used to open up the exhaust on the insert. Increasing the exhaust bore allows more air to pass through the call, which helps improve responsiveness and volume. Stepless bits create a smoother internal taper, while stepped bits offer clear depth references for progressive drilling.

Conclusion

Drilling on the lathe streamlines the duck call making process and reduces the need for additional shop equipment. I personally drill all my barrels and inserts this way, and it’s been a game-changer in both space and efficiency. That said, it does come with a learning curve.

In the next post, we’ll dive into techniques for drilling on the lathe, including tips to keep your blanks centered, prevent bit chatter, and ensure smooth bore finishes.