do i have to buy a lathe instead
Yes, you can use a drill. Best to strap it to a work bench so you have both hands to work with.
I don’t strap my drill down and it works fine.
I guess it’s all preference. I like it solid mounted.
I have a drill. It has a vice like thing on it so I can clamp an axel (wrapped in something) on it.
It’s screwed to a bench in my dad’s workshop.