Grumps wrote:
Hi
I need to drill 1.5 - 2.0mm diameter holes to a depth of about 8mm in very
soft alloys / lead.
Using a small model maker's drill of unknown rpm only seems to get to about
2mm easily. The workpiece warms up (actually, quite hot) and it seems that
drilling stops.

If dimensions are not critical, I'd start by trying a hammer and nail.