According to Eric Anderson :
I have to drill 500 holes with a #1 drill (0.2280 dia.) in mild steel
in cramped quarters on a truck. I will have to drill these holes
sitting and reaching out nearly arms length in front of me. It is very
tiresome to put the proper pressure on the drill.

I would like suggestions:

1. The best way to accurately position the drill (some kind of punch
to dimple the steel?)

2. A way to put the pressure on the drill without the stress of
applying all the pressure myself.

I would like to suggest something which will help with both of
these questions, though it is not what you really asked.

First off -- how thick is the steel which you have to drill
through? Unless it is unusually thick, I would suggest that you get a
pack of screw-machine length cobalt steel drill bits with split points.

1) A split point tends to have a lot less tendency to walk than
the normal chisel point. (And screw-machine length tends to be
less flexible, so it is easier to control.

2) A split point does not require the force that a standard chisel
point drill bit requires. so you will have a somewhat easier job
of applying the needed force.

Yes -- a center punch can help to give a tactile point to help
control the location if you are drilling by hand.

A magnetic base drill would probably help with both of your
problems, if there is a good surface for the magnetic base to lock onto,
but it will be expensive. Are you being paid to drill the holes, and
are you likely to have to do more of the same job? If so, then it may
still pay to get the mag base drill.

Good Luck,
DoN.
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