Rotary switch for thicker bodies?

[The EH Man]

I'm planning on installing a varitone with 5 caps and a bypass in my Epi EB3 and I can't seem to find a rotary switch that'll go through any of the pot holes to a point where I can put a nut on it. Other than removing some wood from the control cavity, does anyone know of a rotary switch with longer threads or a way to extend them?

[SGD Lutherie]

I think the tallest threaded shafts are 3/8".

I once installed a rotary switch in a Les Paul once. Because it had the aluminum box inside, I got a switch with a very long shaft, and attached the threaded part to the box. Then I got part of an old pot to use for a bushing on the top.

For basses I've had to rout that part a little thinner.

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

.....For basses I've had to rout that part a little thinner.

+1

Or buy a Forstner bit the diameter of the device. But use it on a drill press or make some sort of limiter so you don't bore all the way through your bass.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

Or buy a Forstner bit the diameter of the device. But use it on a drill press or make some sort of limiter so you don't bore all the way through your bass.

+1

You have to watch some Forstner bits too. The larger ones have saw like teeth around the outside edge.

I prefer to use routers for this kind of stuff. But Forstner bits are handy to have to. I'm just a router kind of guy.

[Coolhandjjl]

I get freaked out by the über high speed of my router.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

I get freaked out by the über high speed of my router.

Yeah, they are scary, but that keeps you on your toes.

Try using a jointer. That's a scary machine. I still have all my fingers.

[The EH Man]

I found that a metal-bodied Alpha rotary switch had enough threads to go thru the top. I was going to use a plastic-bodied Alpha switch initially which didn't have a long enough bushing. So, problem solved and EB3 is all wired up and fun to play!