Drilling your own holes

[Jscriv]

I'm looking at picking up a body, but I would have to drill my own pickguard and control plate holes. I did this once with a bridge covered and just used a straight bit. When removing the cover, the screws backing out chipped away finish and paint. I'd like to avoid this. What do you do? (I realize this could be basic but I'm having trouble finding anything online)

 

[Turnaround]

Drill the hole with a brad point drill. Then use a countersink to slightly bevel the edge of the hole. That helps to avoid chipping when the screw is removed.

 

[jpmcbride]

+1 to what Turnaround said. To make a slight countersunk I use an oversized drill bit and slowly and carefully spin it between my fingers. This slowly shaves off the finish and leaves a small countersink to prevent chipping.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Laying masking tape over the area can help too. But be extremely careful when removing it.

 

[Jscriv]

Thanks so much everyone. I was starting to think no one would respond.

 

[Jscriv]

Defidently going to grab a brad point set. And a countersink. Then just be gentle and take my time.

 

[dwizum]

And make sure you're using the correct drill bit size for the screw you're using. It seems people have a tendency to go too small, maybe under the belief that it will make the screw tighter in the hole or something. A too-small hole will significantly increase the chances that the surface is damaged from the threads mushrooming up the wood as you drive the screw in. (Not to mention that it also increases the chance that you break or strip the screw).

 

[JLS]

vix bits - Google Search

 

[bherman]

vix bits - Google Search

Definitely second this - especially for pick guard screws. Precisely drilled holes with no damage to the guard. Less useful for pickups

 

[fhm555]

Whenever i drill in a painted wood surface i mask the area then use a pin vise to put in a pilot hole after marking my center points. It’s much easier to get it precisely centered than trying to use a drill motor.

 

[Jscriv]

Whenever i drill in a painted wood surface i mask the area then use a pin vise to put in a pilot hole after marking my center points. It’s much easier to get it precisely centered than trying to use a drill motor.

Unfortunately I only have a drill motor. I'm still partially considering calling a luthier and having it down really quick. Hate to ruin a custom paint job with the old 20v dewalt

 

[fhm555]

Unfortunately I only have a drill motor. I'm still partially considering calling a luthier and having it down really quick. Hate to ruin a custom paint job with the old 20v dewalt

A pin vice with a few bits can be had for around $20.00

 

[Jscriv]

A pin vice with a few bits can be had for around $20.00

Oh cool. I'll be looking into that

 

[KohanMike]

Good advice here, I wish I read this post a couple of days ago. I tried to drill new tuner holes in the headstock converting a guitar into a bass and butchered pretty badly, even with masking tape (I first filled the guitar holes with dowels, which I also didn't do too well.). I have a good guy that does that work for me, but I wanted to do it myself to save time, bad idea. I thought I would bring it to him to make it right, but decided why burden him with it, so I bought another guitar to let him do it.

 

[fhm555]

Oh cool. I'll be looking into that

here’s some info to help you get what you need.

How to Choose and Use a Pin Vise or Mini Drill for Miniatures

 

[Lizooki]

Correct sized bits.
Counter sink.
I always lube the screws going into instrument wood of any type. I just poke the screw into a a bar of soap.
I use this drill. Came from an antique store.

 

[Jscriv]

Correct sized bits.
Counter sink.
I always lube the screws going into instrument wood of any type. I just poke the screw into a a bar of soap.
I use this drill. Came from an antique store.

View attachment 3651928

That is pretty bad ass. Never thought of soap for lube either.

 

[RSBBass]

I second the suggestion of a hand powered drill for small holes. If you don't have a drill press you are much less likely to cause damage this way.

 

[GIBrat51]

It's also a good idea to reverse the drill when you remove the bit from the hole...