So, I am working on my first build and I have NO idea how big to make the holes for the tuning pegs. I bought the machine heads from a friend of mine when he rebuild one of his guitars.
Any help would be GREAT!
Peace and chicken grease,
Ando
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After I have shaved the headstock down to the right thickness and after I have marked the location of the tuner holes: I then drill a small pilot hole for each tuner. Then before using the final drill bit size, I wrap a little blue tape, or masking tape, around the headstock and over the pilot holes. The tape will prevent any unwanted tear out of the wood around the holes. Also as others have said, the size of drill bit necessary varies from one type of tuner to another. Simply hold drill bits up to the bushing or the largest part of the tuner, until you find the right size. When in doubt, just work your way through a few bits in succession and check after each size; that will ensure that you never go too big. I usually drill as close to the size of the tuner as necessary, then use a round file to finish the holes to the perfect fit.
Hope this helps.
I try to keep the hole as small as I can to insure a tight fit.
I drill the through hole the same size as the tuner shaft,then go back and carefully drill a bigger hole to match the bushing size ,but only far enough for the bushing too fit in snugly.
its a little more work but that way I know each fits its hole which ALWAYS takes some of the stresses involved in that area easier on the wood.
I've notice that bushing diameters (outside diameters) seem to vary. On my last build, I used a 3/8 inch bit, and then had to loosen the hole a little with a round file.
If your tuners didn't come with bushings, you can get them at a shop that does instrument repairs--mine cost a buck apiece. Make sure to bring your tuners, too, b/c the inside diameter of the bushings can vary, as well.
Just hold the machine up to the drill bit and compare the width. If you don't have the proper bit, and aren't sure what size to get, just take the machine with you to the hardware store ( or just buy a set of bits). Drill a test hole in some scrap wood to test fit before drilling your neck.
And I wiggle the drill around a bit to give me some room because I'm not so accurate. The plate of the tuner and the bushings cover up my lack of craftsmanship. The wiggle room is especially helpful if your tuners are 3-on-a-plate or likewise.
Replies
Hope this helps.
Jeff
I drill the through hole the same size as the tuner shaft,then go back and carefully drill a bigger hole to match the bushing size ,but only far enough for the bushing too fit in snugly.
its a little more work but that way I know each fits its hole which ALWAYS takes some of the stresses involved in that area easier on the wood.
If your tuners didn't come with bushings, you can get them at a shop that does instrument repairs--mine cost a buck apiece. Make sure to bring your tuners, too, b/c the inside diameter of the bushings can vary, as well.
Jacob Blackwood said: