I am looking for a powerful drill that will drill 1" peg holes in hardwood without straining the motor. Can anyone recommend a good drill or know where I can start searching? Also, I'm having trouble finding a 13/16" wood bit that is around 10" long. Does anyone know where I can find one? Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated...

Any 1/2" drill that turns 500 rpm or less should be up to the task. Make sure you have an auxiliary handle to keep from breaking a wrist.

As for a 13/16 bit, try this one. http://www.acetoolonline.com/product-p/irw-45613.htm

Not to contradict what Gabel said, but do be careful that you're getting a higher level drill motor. My dad was given a 1/2" Makita and it's completely gutless. Some manufacturers ride on their good name and produce similar looking cheaper tools that just don't perform.

That's funny, Zach. We have a Makita that is still going strong after 8 or 9 years of drilling peg holes. Milwaukee's big drills are typically pretty well made.

One of my students was using a 1/2" makita today to drill out a 2" mortise. The magic smoked leaked out and it stopped turning :-( It was probably the smallest 1/2" makita makes, and was obviously not up to the task. I'm sure they make a big one that is. I generally like Makita tools, but for a big 1/2" drill, I'll pick Milwaukee every time.

And regarding the side handle and the broken wrist: What Gabel Said! (DAMHIKT)

CB.

Just took a look over my past post and realized I may not have explained myself well enough.

Most manufacturers make a variety of similar models of a single tool, from the home hobby line (cheap) to professional (higher price).

It can be confusing knowing which model is the higher end. If you can get a hold of the company catalog or look at the website it's usually pretty easy to decipher. A quick way to get a feel is to compare rated amps, but that isn't always conclusive.
Best to compare all the similar models on a single page.

Zach

What about the bits? Irwin? any one been using the ones with the three cutters? I think there was talk about this elsewhere. Tim

Irwin. I don't like the wood owls (3 cutters) -- they don't cut as well and aren't as durable as the Irwin model I linked to above. Those are getting hard to find though.

Daiku, which Milwaukee model do you use? amperage that you find powerful enough, 8 amp? tb

1107 D-Handle. And I repeat: NEVER use a D-Handle drill without the side handle extension bar. CB.