Jim-
I can't say for sure about your drill bit size since I use an awl. Best suggestion is to try it and see how it works on some scrap.
Yep I'm not a 100 years old but I sure feel like it some days!
But even with years of experience I still test my stuff and am always open to new ways and materials. If they work better I'll change - but the only way to know for sure is to experiment.
As for techniques I maintain that what works best for you and produces a quality product use it no matter what someone else might say.