Use a drill guide block with a pre-drilled hole

Clamp a scrap wood block with a pre-drilled hole onto your workpiece, then drill through it. The block physically constrains the bit and prevents lateral movement during the starting phase.

Steps

1. Take a scrap block of hardwood or dense plywood, at least 3/4 inch thick.
2. Bore a hole through the block matching the exact diameter of the bit you plan to use.
3. Align the block's hole over your marked location and clamp it firmly to the workpiece.
4. Insert the drill bit through the guide hole and drill into the workpiece.
5. Remove the block once the hole is established.

Why It Works

The rigid walls of the guide hole surround the bit on all sides, making lateral wandering physically impossible. This is the same principle used in industrial drill jigs. The block guides the bit for about 3/4 inch of travel -- more than enough to establish a clean hole.

Tips

• Use hardwood; softwood wears out quickly and the guide hole becomes oversized.
• The guide hole should be a close slip-fit -- tight enough to prevent movement, loose enough to spin freely.
• Always clamp the block; an unclamped block can spin with the bit, damaging the workpiece.