Need to drill hole for 1/4" jack with jack plate

BassLife77 · #1 03-26-2011, 06:22 PM

I have to drill a hole through the body for the output jack so I can plug in at the bottom. what is the best way to drill this? drill bit to use? The jack measures 3/4" across so the hole is going to be pretty big. I don't wanna screw up and crack the wood around the hole. I guess the paint around the hole doesn't matter because it will be covered by the jack plate.

T-Bird · #2 03-26-2011, 11:31 PM

Hi.

The best way IME is to use a forstner bit on a bench drill and to have the body clamped firmly on the bench.

I did mine in a milling machine and no problems.

You may be able to do that free-hand, but I'll strongly advice against that.

Regards
Sam

Steveaux · #3 03-27-2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

The best way IME is to use a forstner bit on a bench drill and to have the body clamped firmly on the bench.

I did mine in a milling machine and no problems.

You may be able to do that free-hand, but I'll strongly advice against that.

Regards
Sam

Yep. free-handing a 7/8" hole is risky at best.

Pilgrim · #4 03-27-2011, 01:03 PM

I agree...not a freehand job. To do it with confidence that the body will be intact afterward requires careful work and a clamped/secure body.

Jazzdogg · #5 03-27-2011, 01:46 PM

Start by masking the area to be drilled and marking the hole's center point carefully with a center punch, then drill an appropriately-sized pilot hole, followed by a Forstner or brad-point bit.

I've drilled those kinds of holes successfully with a hand drill after securely clamping the bass to the work bench, but it takes the right tools, and a modicum of experience. A helper can let you know if you're not drilling at the correct angle.

Believe it or not, the tools I prefer for holes that aren't easily drilled at the drill press are an old fashioned brace & bit - slow and controllable.

If you lack the tools or experience, find someone who has both and let them drill the hole for you.

Pilgrim · #6 03-27-2011, 03:22 PM

^^ Wise words.

**joinercape** · #7 03-27-2011, 04:08 PM

No question that the best way is a drill press and Fortner bit, with the body in a clamped fixture. But it is possible to do it well with hand held tools, maybe clamping the body to the bench or in an end vise, by using a pilot block securely clamped and centered. The hole through the pilot block should be long enough to guide the Forstner bit, and be made out of something hard, like maple. I have done thousands of baluster and newel post installations over the last forty years in this manner with no problems (well, maybe the occasional little problem :-). If these are all the tools available to you, be careful, take your time, and you can get it done. The obvious thing here is a good sharp bit makes all the difference! Good luck with your project...

BassLife77 · #8 03-29-2011, 04:40 PM

I don't have any clamps so I had to wing it with a hand drill. I was so paranoid about cracking the wood I started out with a 1/8" bit and worked my way up to a 1/2". then used a a 5/8" rotary rasp to gradually grind the hole out to 3/4". It was time consuming but better to be safe than sorry. the results are great, no paint chipping and the inside of the hole is smooth.

**joinercape** · #9 03-29-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassLife77

I don't have any clamps so I had to wing it with a hand drill. I was so paranoid about cracking the wood I started out with a 1/8" bit and worked my way up to a 1/2". then used a a 5/8" rotary rasp to gradually grind the hole out to 3/4". It was time consuming but better to be safe than sorry. the results are great, no paint chipping and the inside of the hole is smooth.

Where there is a will there is a way! Good for you!