drill bits

[Greg Newell]

Greetings folks,
    I'm about to begin replacing my first pin block and although I've
watched it done before and read about it a fair amount I'd like to ask a
question. It seems to me that a fair amount of the problems incurred
when drilling a pin block are from the heat generated in the process.
How am I doing so far? Well, I was thinking the other day while plunking
out a tuning for a rather mediocre upright that it might be a good idea
to pre drill the hole with a smaller size drill first. It would seem
that this would be more time consuming but might yield more consistent
results. If your removing only half the material or less at a time
wouldn't that naturally reduce the heat generated? If the final step
only removed say 1/3 or less of the total amount it seems that the bit
would be easy to cool and perhaps never even reach a level that would
alter the bore diameter. Does this make any sense at all? What might
some of the dangers be in this plan?
    My second question is one that was asked before. Do any of you have
a favorite source or type for the drill bits needed? While glancing
through Schaff's supply catalogue yesterday my eye didn't seem to fall
on them. Are there different types one might use and do some types work
better than others? If I were to try out my theory, would that affect
the type of bit I would use? Are there bit coatings I should use? Are
better bit manufactured using coatings?
    Thanks again in advance for your willingness to help.

Greg Newell