Hey guys! Just got into wooden lure making and having some real fun but also some trouble...
 

I’m using cedar to make some jerk baits and keep running into issues while drilling holes for the lead shot I’m putting in the belly holes. When I’m using my drill bits (starting with smaller drill bit), I start slowly increasing the size and the wood starts splintering around the holes. I’m not being careless and am really taking my time. Luckily I can repair most of it with CA super glue and baking soda...
 

One odd thing I found is that when the bait is sealed with CA thin super glue, it doesn’t seem to split as much. Thought this might not be the “correct” way to do this but found this out when having to add extra holes for lead when it was too buoyant. 
 

Any advice is appreciated. 
 

p.s. I’m doing this with a hand drill and a bench grip. Not a drill press. 

Soft wood will tend to do that more than hardwood. Try some poplar and see if you have better results. Superglue makes a good sealer. No reason not to seal before you drill if it works for you. Good luck. Post some finished work!