Big shot of Stuyvesant garage Kingston NY. a later view of a newer building with an American locomotive truck. Apparently they spent a few nights at a holiday inn express, as its now a garage and a hospital.
Back in the day old time experienced machinist could do this without a problem, He is using the stick as a guide as he pulls the drill out guided by the wooden stick. Lots can go wrong if you don't know what you are doing.