Well, if it works for a seasoned machinist with a job shop I'm not calling him crazy. I used little allen cap head screws (8-32) for my scales and fabbed up the offset brackets I needed. I'm happy with it. I'm not calling names if the idea doesn't suit me. For something constructive I suggest you search the web. Start with the people that sold you the dro's. They have video for us slow folks. Other than that, use your imagination/ingenuity. You will see the shape you need and be able to measure the size it needs to be. As for hand drilling, suit yourself. I couldn't throw my bport column on the drill press to drill, so I know doing it by hand works. You have pieces small enough to drill with a machine. I would probably do it that way. Gives you a chance to clean and lube too. Good luck