sellisnba Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Hi all Not sure if this in the right place. My dilemma is, I have a bass neck with silly small tuning pegs in it.I want to fit proper size one[size=4]s but the best way to do it is with a drill press. I was wondering if anyone with a drill press could help (preferbly in the southwest).[/size] I have asked in the local music shops [size=4]but the cost hardly makes it worth while.[/size] [size=4]Thanks[/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 I have a small one that an electric drill fits into like this: [url="http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/tools/power_tool/drills/drill_accessories/75664-bohr_und_fr_sst_nder_mit_sechskant_stahls_ule.htm?gclid=CLDXhKrIicECFenHtAodJAMA7A&art_nr=829739"]http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/tools/power_tool/drills/drill_accessories/75664-bohr_und_fr_sst_nder_mit_sechskant_stahls_ule.htm?gclid=CLDXhKrIicECFenHtAodJAMA7A&art_nr=829739[/url] Could bring it to the SW Bash if you want? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 [quote name='sellisnba' timestamp='1412101251' post='2565701'] Hi all Not sure if this in the right place. My dilemma is, I have a bass neck with silly small tuning pegs in it.I want to fit proper size one[size=4]s but the best way to do it is with a drill press.[/size] [size=4]Thanks[/size][/quote] I've only done that job once & was advised, by a luthier, in advance to run the drill bit in reverse to reduce the chewing up around the edges of the hole. It worked for me but maybe others who have done it could chime in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 I'd guess you'd be better off in the Repairs and Technical section? I'm guessing that if you want to go to 14mm diameter pegs then you will struggle with a hand drill, whether you've got a drill press or not. What sizes are you starting from and trying to get to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellisnba Posted September 30, 2014 Author Share Posted September 30, 2014 Thanks for the replys, the existing holes are 10mm. The shafts on the full size tuners are I believe 12mm, however the bushings need a hole of 17.5mm. I'm starting to think a new neck will be an easier option. york5stringer Thanks for the offer but I'm not going to be able to make the sw meet up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 (edited) Professional carpenter/cabinet-maker? They would know how, and probably wouldn't charge the earth. Exeter has docks... there will be boat repair shops. (Is there still a museum of boats there?) Is there a woodwork evening class you could get to? That should have access to proper workshop-sized power tools. Edited September 30, 2014 by alyctes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 (edited) One other question: Are you certain there's enough wood in the headstock to do this? Sorry to ask, but I'd be really sorry if it went badly wrong and I hadn't... Edited September 30, 2014 by alyctes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellisnba Posted September 30, 2014 Author Share Posted September 30, 2014 It's a squier headstock, seems the same size as my fender one. I wouldn't be that bothered but the small tuners are awful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Is it the tuner size or the tuner quality that's the problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellisnba Posted September 30, 2014 Author Share Posted September 30, 2014 It's a bit of both to be honest, I've had a look at some other small tuners but some of the prices are eye watering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 (edited) I'm pretty sure it's going to be cheaper and simpler to replace the tuners than the neck. I'd guess your best bet is to buy decent-quality second-hand tuners, and see how you get on with them. You can always sell them again if you decide to go the hole-drilling way. Edited September 30, 2014 by alyctes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dom in Dorset Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 I've got a big one! I have a fairly serious drill press you are welcome to use. Drilling into an existing hole can be problematic as was said earlier. Running the drill in reverse may have something going for it but I think it would just generate heat rather than actually drilling. I'd try grinding the drill bit to a "butterfly" profile so that it cuts at the edges first and avoids grabbing and taring. Also practice on some scrap before you do it for real. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Plug the existing 10 mm holes first (with dowelling..?); you'll get a better cut, I'd suggest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtcat Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1412110602' post='2565839'] Plug the existing 10 mm holes first (with dowelling..?); you'll get a better cut, I'd suggest. [/quote] This. It makes life a lot easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1412110602' post='2565839'] Plug the existing 10 mm holes first (with dowelling..?); you'll get a better cut, I'd suggest. [/quote] Sounds a darned good idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilkyBarKid Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I don't know if you can get woodworking forstner bits that small but if not I'd try and get a specialised woodworking bit. The other thing is don't use a chinese drill press, or a hand drill in a stand, as there will be too much runout (wobble) to get an accurate hole. Make sure that whoever does it uses a quality drill press, preferebly British or European. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) Re. Getting the hole in the correct place, I've done the following with great success: - get a nice sharp forstner bit - drill a hole in a 12mm (or thicker) piece of MDF and sand the edges on both sides smooth - clamp the MDF over the headstock with the hole exactly where you want the new headstock hole to be - drill using the MDF as a guide. The MDF makes sure that the forstner bit stays exactly where it should. Edited October 1, 2014 by Roland Rock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellisnba Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Thanks for all the replys people, It turns out that a local tech can sort the holes and fit new tuners for around £30. (minus the cost for new tuners) I think I'll leave it for a professional do to. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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