AS most of you know, one of my favorite kits is the Long click. My Craftsman 2/3 HP bench top dp only has a 2" travel. While using riser blocks is a bit of an extra step I wish I could skip, finanes dicted it to be a neeeded step. I have many many of these pens in both synthetics and wood using this dp. I have never had a blank failure caused by the drilling. The last 1/2" or so usually causes the fluting of the bit to be covered, this can cause heat build up quickly. I just be sure the loose chips are completely removed before drilling the last bit. I use bits with the widest fluting I can find, it gives a bit more room for the last few chips to accumulate before causing a problem. As far as speed goes, I drill nearly everything at 1720rpm, some say this is too fast, others say to slow, but it works for me. I don't know if it helps, but it is what I do. If only I could afford a larger DP and then build a larger shop to put it in I'd be a happy little camper.