drilling into soapstone

Quoted text begins. I am looking for any ideas at how to drill 2-3 inch holes
with preferably a smooth bottom into 'fragile' soapstone or alabaster.
End of quote.

Jay,
A diamond core bit would do a good job with this. Typically they are used
with water but I believe dry ones are available that should work with soft
stones such as these. The drill motors to power them are kind of pricy but
there is a way to hook one up to a grinder, although I have never tried
this. Check with some stone tool places such as Granite City Tool or
Granquartz.
Good luck,
Calvin Babich