Did you try peck drilling . that is drill a shallow hole backing out to clear the wood chips On a 1/2 stock I would make about 3 pecks with the drill. i would use a good brad-point drill and don't go all the way thru . just far enough so the point breaks thru, turn the board over and drill from the other side where the point has broke thru. I am I assume that you have a drill pres, Other wise you will not have much control of what you are doing. If not go to sears and buy one
.IKE