Drilling template

[Stevem627]

I have some 2008 Fender American Standard tuners that i want to use on a neck. Does anyone have any ideas about how to set up a template for the two holes necessary for the tuner "studs' to fit into?

[TSL2]

Stevem627,
You can make a template out of paper using a machinists rule or regular ruler. Once you have completed drawing the plate on paper cut holes in it for the pins and tuning shaft and then using masking tape affix the template and drill your holes. Some tape wrapped around the drill bit at the appropriate point on the shaft should be sufficient for a drill guide/stop.
Then there is the easy way. Put a strip of masking tape over the back of the head stock where your new tuners are going. Install the tuning shaft through its hole and put the sleeve nut and washer on the opposite side and align the tuning key properly. You can use a popsicle stick under the tuning key back plate ( the part with the gear on it) opposite the the pins to keep the tuning key from cocking in the tuning key shaft hole. Tighten the sleeve nut enough for the pins to make an indentation in the wood on the head stock and you now know where to drill. As above some tape around the drill bit should be adequate for a depth gauge. To do this measure the length of the pin and using that measurement measure from the tip (sharp pointy end) and apply tape probably less than 1/8 inch up the shaft.