Not sure how fast your drill press will spin. Because of the small diameter of the 3" buffs, they should spin pretty fast (e.g., 3000 rpm) to work effectively.

There are motor shaft adapters like this one: https://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/BK70009/

Or you can get lathe adapters that thread onto the spindle such as: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/h...ender-1-x-8tpi

For small buffing wheels you should get a 3450 rpm, and it needs to rotate such that the buff is turning toward you from over the top. . .which would be counterclockwise if the motor is on your left. For 8" wheels the 3450 is probably too fast, would want a 1725 rpm.

I have a very well made 1" x 8 tpi threaded adapter for the lathe that used to be made by Don Pencil Woodworking. It has imperceptible runout. When I went to a bigger lathe I had to get a 1.25" to 1" adapter to continue using it.

Best,

Dave