Thanks, Dan. Great explanation and I can understand that it would be tough to push that whole block.  I didn't know how difficult it would be.  Maybe a clamp on the bed as a stop?  

 

Paul, I agree with the statement regarding the SS.  What is even neater with the SS is you can have your stock in the chuck with a chuck and drill in the tail stock and you have a 4 inch throw to bore.  That is exactly how I do pens when I make them.  

If you need  a hole deeper than the bit and throw of the tailstock it can be done incrementally. This is not extremely precise if that is what you need. Set the rule on tailstock to zero and bring it (with drill bit mounted) up to point where the hole starts. Drill in to an even incremental number, 4 on my PM. Now retract the bit to a mark on shaft and bring up tailstock to bottom bit in hole, drill to depth needed and add the measurements from first and second action. If you need precise then measure and add depth as needed.