For tight grain, expensive woods, like snakewood, pink ivory, african blackwood, etc.. go with the slowest speed on the press, and feed slow, cleaning the flutes often. With some woods, you even need to take a break halfway through to prevent stress cracking from the heat. I find I don't like to risk a fast drill speed with something I can't afford to ruin. Anything else, and I agree with the rest, sharp bit, and do what works. I've found for me, that drilling around 350 rpm works very well, I've not had a blowout in a LONG time... Except that time I tried to drill a small blank with a LARGE hole... I was off center...