Leon asked:

And while I have you attention, can you recommend an affordable and
good brand or type of HS drill bit for drilling in mild steel, etc.

There was a time, back when they were my customer, I would have said
Cleveland Twist Drill without a moments hestitation.

Today, Cleveland Twist Drill is part of the Kennametal IPG (Industrial
Products Group) family of quality cutting tools and I don't have a
clue.

Lew