after all the suggestions from all you helpfull folks.... i bought a new drill bit (split point) and lowered the speed on the spindle (to about 660rpm) and with some cutting fluid drilled very hard about 1/4" inch at a time waiting each time for it to cool before pressing hard and fast again. Bingo!!! what a difference! it could even be considered easy. tapping the hole was a slow process but just took my time and eventually got through that.
Thanks to all of you folks in this newsgroup...this group is the best! rtv