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I suspect the "nice select pine" that HD sells is southern yellow pine which is very difficult to drill even at high speed with modified brad points recommended by Fuller for end grain drilling.
Yellow pine is a heavier denser wood than white pine. The resin lines are hard as rock and the pith wood soft so drills deflect. I think if you use soft maple (or birch) and adjust your weighting a bit you would be happier. Soft maple should be cheap and easy to find in Maine. Look for a real lumberyard or hardwood dealer.
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