I needed to drill a hole through an outdoor kitchen Leuder Stone countertop for a gas line. It probably took 10 minutes to drill the hole through about 2-1/2 inch thick limestone. I poured water into the hole as I drilled, maybe 2 or 3 times to refill after it needed more water. It was difficult to get started with a clean hole. I held my hand around the lower part of the bit to steady it until it started a hole. I wouldn't recommend that because I did not get a clean hole at the start. I would probably recommend cutting a hole the exact same size in a 1" thick piece of wood to use as a guide to steady the bit as it starts the hole. You will know what I mean when you try to start drilling. Its not the fault of the bit, just part of having a bit this long.