Recently I have lost a few pen blanks because they split, and I am wondering if it is my technique.
If I am drilling a fairly large hole (for example an Omega cap) which won't leave much wood thickness left, is it worth drilling a smaller pilot hole first? I have been drilling the full size straight away, albeit slowly, with plenty backing out to clear out the drill bit. I am wondering if taking out a smaller amount of wood first would help.
As far as I can tell, my drill bit is nice and sharp, and I don't think I have been going too quickly (although I may be wrong there! 
)
Any advice gratefully received as always!
Alan
