Once I get the plug turned with the square ends still on, I drill each end with a drill the same dia. as the nose grommet. This picks up the ACTUAL turning center and puts it into the blank. THEN;
After you have cut your ends off and oriented and drilled your belly hook hole you can go ahead and continue to drill the center hole using Taggers method.
If you buy a parabolic drill you will do very well. The parabolic shape in the flutes allows the chips to pass back better with less drill deflection. Use this drill once you have your 2 pilot holes in as far as possible runnig each end to the hook hole as needed.
Once you learn the method you will not be ruining anymore blanks!
Also spindle speed is very important when drilling, cupping etc. Turning speeds are entirely different. Pay attention to what the tool is telling you. If the drill is squealing you have chips built up and the drill is overheating and beginning to walk off!
We have had numerous debates over why a Variable speed lathe may be benificial. Well here's one of those reasons!
