I have a plenty powerful drill with a nice set of metal drill bits but is there a trick to keep the bit from traveling around the metal? Sometimes I have the bit right where I want my pilot hole and as soon as I power the drill, it travels everywhere. Sometimes it isn't in a place where i can put enough pressure to keep it steady. Any tricks for this? Thanks!

 

Use a center punch.

 

start with a split point drill bit or something 1/8 or under as a pilot hole.

for thick steels your gonna need to step the holes up for best results. (1/2" hole should go something like center punch, 1/4-3/8-1/2)

 

exactly and are you using that drilling oil stuff? the name escapes me right now. keeps the drill bit cool too

 

What he said, athough I can't remember the name off hand either...

 

The oil stuff is called cutting oil, right? That stuff definitely helps. Keep both hands on the drill and brace your arms against your ribcage, that kinda helps me keep things lined up.

I usually star larger holes with my trust 1/8" bit. I find step drill bits to be great for metal too.

 

Center punch is the way to go, split points are nice also. Cutting oil/tapping fluid keeps bits from getting dull. We also use "Tap Wax", it is a cutting wax that melts as the bit gets hot. Less mess, as the wax doesn't fling around like oil will, and the wax stays on the bit. Like death runner said "Step drill" bits make really good tools for doing large holes up to 3/4 inch with out having to change bits.