Dave, I don't know what air drills you have been using but all those that I have used and was using this afternoon drilling 25/32 holes have speed controlled with the twist grip which is totally variable. Yes I do own a mag drill
and it is very good for small holes but any thing 1/2" and above is best done with the air drill and as for you using a large air drill free hand, be careful as it will bite you one day and you will go around with it
, and yes its happend to me and have the scars to prove
, Use a drill post. The other good thing about air drills is you can stall one without damaging it, Stall an electric drill to often and you chance buggering it.
Happy Steaming.