I've recently switched to carbide bits (10UKP for 10 per size on ebay) and they really do last a lot longer. But my old standard HSS bits lasted for quite a few boards when I used FR2, or CEM1/3 (200-300 holes?). For FR4, I barely got 50 holes out of a bit before it would 'push' holes into the material rather than cut lol
FR4 is a standard, but there really is nothing wrong with cheaper substrates, they'll be a bit kinder to your tooling, they're cheaper, easier to work with etc.. Of course FR4 is mandatory for RF/high frequency prototyping, but for audio, microcontrolelrs stuff? does the job.
As for a stand, I use this:
**broken link removed**
There is a little play in it as you lower it, fitting my 'rubber coated' dremel tool was a nightmare, but once its in and clamped its pretty accurate. Dremels really aren't *that* good for PCB work, the mini chuck I got for mine was off centre, ended up having to use homamde collets for 1/8th shank size. After all that though, my boards look pretty sweet.
Blueteeth