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Help needed with a drill press


sellisnba
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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]

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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?

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[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?

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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?

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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.

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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 by alyctes
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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 by alyctes
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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.

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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.

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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 by Roland Rock
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