How to Drill a Hole in the Center of a Pipe

Insert a drill bit into the chuck of a drill press, following the manufacturer's instructions in the drill press owner's manual. Ensure that the drill bit is the same diameter as the desired hole.

Measure 3 inches in from the end of a 6-inch piece of pipe with a tape measure. Mark the spot with the tip of an awl.

Clamp the pipe in a milling vice, ensuring that the mark on the pipe is facing up and centered between the jaws of the milling vice. Operate the milling vice by following the manufacturer's instructions in the milling vice owner's manual.

Position the milling vise under the drill bit and bring the drill bit down so that the tip of the drill bit touches the mark on the pipe.

Plug the drill press into a power outlet. Turn the drill press and pull the handle of the drill press down slowly and gently touch the tip of the drill bit to the mark on the pipe. Raise the drill bit up approximately 1 inch and inspect the pipe. Ensure that the tip of the drill bit has made contact with the mark. Bring the drill bit back down to the pipe and apply steady pressure to the handle until the drill bit has drilled a hole through the center of the pipe. Release the drill press handle and bring the drill bit all the way out of the pipe.

Turn the drill press off. Remove the piece of pipe from the jaws of the milling vice.