I have turned red blank diagonal cut and almost got a segmented spiral red and blank palm turned once.
Knowing what I have learned about drilling and turning intricate glue ups this is how I would approach it now.
Before drilling seal the end I am going to drill from with CA.
Drill a "blind" hole and drizzle thin CA in it cover with a piece of clear packing tape and revolve it spreading the CA.
Drill the second half and using the CA left from the first blank pour it into the second blank.
Use the excess on a glue up if you have one.
After hitting the hole with accelerant I would ream it out by hand with the same drill bit I originally used
I have long been a user of CA exclusively for gluing tubes in blanks but have started using a pricy poly glue I get a Lowes called PL Turbo.
It is quick setting and I can mill and turn in less than a half hour.
I would ease the corners on my table saw using a jig and use CA while turning.
I have never been issued a license to operate a gouge so I would use my skew stopping often to harden the blank with CA and while the CA is setting give my skew a few swipes on the diamond stone.
I would also stick my tongue out the right side of my mouth and squint a lot.Prayers would be helpful also.
Here's the one that beat me