Luminlay side markers

[MoonBassAlpha]

Hi all
I'm looking to get side markers fitted in a spare fretless neck, and also the original dots between the frets removed/covered.
The neck was spare as it was a custom order and the markers were in the wrong place (between "frets")

Can anyone recommend a luthier who will do the job for me? any help much appreciated. A decent and timely job more important than cost...
Cheers
Jules

[MoonBassAlpha]

ok then, no takers.
I've ordered some (from Japan) and I'll give it a go myself.
I might even take a couple of pictures as I'm doing it if anyone is interested.

[Vinny]

I am!

Insofar as I can tell, it would seem that clamping the neck at the right angle in a suitable pillar drill is the hard part - I wouldn't trust my shaky mitts on doing it with a hand drill, I'd probably end up with tapered holes!

[MoonBassAlpha]

The Luminlay has arrived, 10 days on the button, exactly as stated, from order (posted from Japan)
Something to do this weekend now if the weather is rubbish!
I will be using a small hand pcb drill. I've already marked and piloted the holes with a 1mm drill.
I'll do a couple of test holes first on some scrap before I get to the neck for real.

[andydye]

I have luminlay in my ACG custom and it's just the coolest thing!

[MoonBassAlpha]

What diameter rod did you go for? I went for the 2mm (smallest) as it is what the original markers were. I daresay the 2.5 or 3mm ones show up better, hope the small ones are fit for purpose.

[andydye]

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1378469494' post='2200765']
What diameter rod did you go for? I went for the 2mm (smallest) as it is what the original markers were. I daresay the 2.5 or 3mm ones show up better, hope the small ones are fit for purpose.
[/quote]

Not sure what size they are matey, I'll have a look tonight and see if I can measure it, they are lovely and small but give off plenty of light!

[MoonBassAlpha]

Ok chaps, pretty much all done.
Tips I've found out on he way:

Pilot drill the holes to full depth properly - 1mm drill is good

Hand held pcb drill will drill slightly oversize. Using a pin chuck might have more control

Push rod into hole, hold sharp blade along neck and rotate rod to score all round almost flush to neck. This gives a cleaner break with less waste, so less filing later. The picture attached is before I tried this!

I used the insulation tape to pull the rod out of the hole, added a spot of superglue to the end and re-inserted. Easy, but have some kitchen roll handy to wick off any excess - less finishing later.

Drill hole in insulating tape to put over rod for initial filiing flush, I used 600grit paper to go flush then buffed with a nail buffing board to finish

[attachment=143301:P1020844.JPG]

[attachment=143302:P1020845.JPG]

[attachment=143303:P1020849.JPG]

[attachment=143304:P1020852.JPG]

All in all I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. They are plenty bright when first charged.
It's pretty hard to take meaningful pictures in operation:

[attachment=143314:P1020851.JPG]

Edited September 8, 2013 by MoonBassAlpha