Tried Steve Good's Online Name Plate Maker. Better start with a few simpler projects LOL

[Steve Simon]

I tried a couple of nameplate patterns. Used the Online nameplate pattern maker. The print out had letters (uppercase and lower case) from one inch to about two inches in height and the space between the letters was quite tight. Tried to drill pilot hole on the interior sections and at different points of the outer line. The holes I am afraid were useless! I am afraid without a drill pressI am at an impasse? I do have a drill guide for drilling plumb but I tried to do it freehand. Not a very good result. 

Questions, Any suggestion on how to get plumb pilot holes? I think I was using a #3 double reverse blade, but do you think I should have used less? (I am practicing using 3/4 plywood that I have all over my little shop.

The interior holes were done very poorly couldn't navigate well at all. I was trying something that requires more skill than I currently have

Suggestions for some easier projects?

[OCtoolguy]

To start with, get something besides plywood. We all lean toward baltic birch plywood but I'll bey you are trying to use construction grade. Get some poplar and I suggest thinner than 3/4". If there is a cabinet shop near you, check with them for scraps and offcuts. As for drilling, it will be much easier to drill perpendicularly in a softer wood. Practice holding the drill as straight up and down as you can. A drill press is nice, but there will be times when you won't be able to use it, so back to the hand drill. We've all been there. It's a learning curve so just take it slow. Better wood will help a lot.

[Steve Simon]

I will checkout the thrift shops for used dressers; I figure the drawer sides and backs are around 1/2" and some older pieces are made of poplar and the like.

I looked at Home Depot by me for poplar thin boards and a short boards, less than 3 feet long,  1/4" thick and around 5" wide was $9 in change! I can buy a whole dresser for $20 and scavenge the drawer sides and get a dozen boards... I get it's a "Learning Curve"

[Wichman]

Your drill guide, depending on how tight the chuck will go, is a good starting point. You may need to use scrap pieces of wood around the outside of your panel to stabilize the foot of the drill guide.

Note that the drill bits, especially the tiny ones, may deflect inside the wood while drilling. I've watched #68 bits deflect before they penetrated the paper, and that's the cobalt alloy ones that I prefer.

[Steve Simon]

Nothing is simple, but I will learn and adapt as best I can

[Denny Knappen]

I use a drill press that squares the bit to the table.

Letters are hard to cut as everyone can see what they should look like.  It does take practice.

[OCtoolguy]

19 hours ago, Steve Simon said:
I will checkout the thrift shops for used dressers; I figure the drawer sides and backs are around 1/2" and some older pieces are made of poplar and the like.
I looked at Home Depot by me for poplar thin boards and a short boards, less than 3 feet long,  1/4" thick and around 5" wide was $9 in change! I can buy a whole dresser for $20 and scavenge the drawer sides and get a dozen boards... I get it's a "Learning Curve"

H/D has a section for craft woods. Wood isn't cheap so you are right to find sources but I've never had any luck with used furniture. Let us know what you come up with.