Best way to enlarge pot holes?

[giorob815]

(Wait for obligatory city traffic joke...*rimshot*-ok)

What's the best way to enlarge the pot holes on a finished bass? It's a rear cavity ash body w/ high gloss finish. I used to have a woodshop, so I'm well versed w/ tools, though my current situation is limited. Thanks for any info!

[Strat Hater]

I would use a tapered round file and just take my time and be careful

[untamedhellion]

move to Minnesota if you want large potholes !!!!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I would recommend a drill press and a steady hand.

U.H.

[Pilgrim]

I'd prbably try a reamer if I had one in the right size, just to maintain the symmetry of the hole. A drill bit in a hand drill might also be good, and very controllable.

For those who have only used power drills, here's one model...

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I'd prbably try a reamer if I had one in the right size, just to maintain the symmetry of the hole. A drill bit in a hand drill might also be good, and very controllable.

For those who have only used power drills, here's one model...

Both methods work very well. Tapered reamer is faster. However, don't work too fast because the finish is easy to chip. Masking tape just gums things up. Hand drill is slower because it takes a number of bit changes to get to the right diameter. Chipping is almost unheard of.

Both are safer than using an electric drill, which can grab the material and cause major problems. It takes a skilled hand with a rat tail file to keep a hole round. Not a tool for first timers.

[walterw]

yikes! scary stuff all around!

get one of these for $10 at the hardware store, protect the surface with masking tape, and go slow.



(edit: also, what 202dy said.)

[giorob815]

Yes, I'm very familiar w/ egg beaters and files. I wasn't sure if there was a special lutherie tool or technique because of the finish. Glad to see good ol' hand tools will do just fine. Thanks guys!

[Ben Mitchell]

Well, I usually just use a regular shovel.

[giorob815]

Ok, ream the hole nice and slow...got it!

[Ben Mitchell]

Originally Posted by giorob815

Ok, ream the hole nice and slow...got it!

Sig worthy

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by walterw

yikes! scary stuff all around!

get one of these for $10 at the hardware store, protect the surface with masking tape, and go slow.



(edit: also, what 202dy said.)

^This.

If You value your instrument, don't even consider anything else.

Regards
Sam

[giorob815]

Dually noted. Just found a reamer at my local Menards online.