Collars, or drill stops, made to go over the drill bit can help you drill exactly to the desired depth.

Apply a piece of masking tape to a spade bit to mark the desired depth.

To drill a hole perpendicular to the wood, make a jig with a series of holes in it. The jig helps you drill at a perfect right angle. Drill right through the hole in the jig and into the work piece.

To smooth the center of a drilled hole, split the end of a dowel and insert sandpaper into the split. Insert the dowel into the chuck of the drill. Drill into the hole to sand.