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Wouldn't it be easier to drill while still square

I have 2 bead vices that hold the bead securely, & center the hole.

Well in that case

Why do you hate drilling? use a press (i even got one for my fordham).. lots of ways to make a clamp depending on what you have laying around... if you find a bearing near the size you can just take two pieces of wood.. you drill a hole and place the bearing where the hole is for both sides and crush in a vice works best if you put a small shim between the two... then when you open it you basically have a bead clamp and the holes should be centered for drilling... the secret is drilling the pilot holes first as the bearing will center on the path of least resistance..

i should point out that this can work for several beads as you can make four holes, with a fifth in the center.
put four bearings, crush it, tight... now you have a four bead vice