Idiot proof tool to enlarge a tuning key hole

[JIO]

This is the best tool: A straight reamer with a pilot. It makes a clean counterbore of the exact size, with no splitting or chipping. I've made them up in many different sizes for different Luthier jobs. I have a couple sized just for bass tuner bushings. I normally use them in a drill press, slow speed, but they can also be turned in by hand.

It's a simple design, easy to machine with a lathe and a mill. I usually make them from stainless steel, and don't even bother hardening them.

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I don't understand why you guys are recommending taper reamers? A taper reamer is great for enlarging holes in thin stock, but in a headstock it will cut a tapered hole. A tuner bushing needs a straight hole, a counterbore of a particular diameter and depth.

A straight reamer, like I've shown above is the best way to cut a precise straight hole. A pilot on the front makes it easier and neater. But, you can also use a standard Machinist's Reamer of the right size.

You can also use a large straight drill bit, gently, turning it by hand.

If you don't have any of those tools, the safest thing is a large round file. Slowly and carefully, checking the roundness and diameter.

 

[JIO]

I can't believe nobody has suggested using a round file to enlarge the hole.

I did, up in post #17! If you don't have the correct drill bit or reamer, a big round file is the simplest, safest way to enlarge the hole.

Nobody reads beyond the last 2 most recent posts...

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Nobody reads beyond the last 2 most recent posts...

Yeah, it does get discouraging trying to answer technical questions here on TalkBass. A few of us who have actual experience and answers get overwhelmed by a mob who are making wild guesses, often completely wrong. And someone new reading the thread skips over most of it and assumes that none of us know what we're talking about.

 

[JIO]

Yeah, it does get discouraging trying to answer technical questions here on TalkBass. A few of us who have actual experience and answers get overwhelmed by a mob who are making wild guesses, often completely wrong. And someone new reading the thread skips over most of it and assumes that none of us know what we're talking about.

Just know that some of us actually do read more than the last 2 most recent posts and very much appreciate your experienced insights and expertise and in doing so learn the correct way to do something.

 

[RichterScale]

My opinion is that if someone is serious about getting help and being successful, they will take the time to read all the replies, contemplate all the advice and even who it's coming from.
If they get bad advice and good advice and take the bad, there's not much you can do. It cost you a few minutes to type some words. For them it's a life lesson and it's their time and money.
There's something to be said for decades of experience and the "only" or "right" way to do something. But, I try to consider all the info the OP is giving before offering my 2¢.
That's the one thing most people don't seem to do when they reply. Not just here, but everywhere, about every subject. But this thread is a good example. The OP stated that there were no tools other than a drill and some forstner bits and just looking to complete a one-time job. No drill press, no reamers, no way to machine his own bits out of stainless, no intention to do this to 100 more basses, etc.
So, whether it's the best way that someone has developed over 30 yrs, or some half baked drivel, I think it's more important to consider the OP's situation, experience and the best way to accomplish the task with what they have available.
Also, I think it's good when people give bad advice. That way others can counter it with why it's bad advice and it's all here in writing, for posterity.

 

[JIO]

My opinion is that if someone is serious about getting help and being successful, they will take the time to read all the replies, contemplate all the advice and even who it's coming from.
If they get bad advice and good advice and take the bad, there's not much you can do. It cost you a few minutes to type some words. For them it's a life lesson and it's their time and money.
There's something to be said for decades of experience and the "only" or "right" way to do something. But, I try to consider all the info the OP is giving before offering my 2¢.
That's the one thing most people don't seem to do when they reply. Not just here, but everywhere, about every subject. But this thread is a good example. The OP stated that there were no tools other than a drill and some forstner bits and just looking to complete a one-time job. No drill press, no reamers, no way to machine his own bits out of stainless, no intention to do this to 100 more basses, etc.
So, whether it's the best way that someone has developed over 30 yrs, or some half baked drivel, I think it's more important to consider the OP's situation, experience and the best way to accomplish the task with what they have available.
Also, I think it's good when people give bad advice. That way others can counter it with why it's bad advice and it's all here in writing, for posterity.

This is all true, but as an educational perk - being exposed to the correct way of doing anything offers a valuable insight regardless of skills or need. "Making do" is ok and all, but gaining knowledge can be inspirational for the OP or anyone participating in the dialogue.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

The OP stated that there were no tools other than a drill and some forstner bits and just looking to complete a one-time job. No drill press, no reamers, no way to machine his own bits out of stainless, no intention to do this to 100 more basses, etc.

But the OP asked what's the best tool he can get to do the job without messing it up. I answered him.

Nobody asked me what I would charge to make up one of those custom reamers: about $25. I've made up a bunch of them over the years for other Luthiers. I'm not looking for business to build and sell them; I'm really busy. But I showed how simple they are for any machinist to make.

 

[RichterScale]

This is all true, but as an educational perk - being exposed to the correct way of doing anything offers a valuable insight regardless of skills or need.

Agreed. And it's exactly why I joined.
@Bruce Johnson , I think $25 is cheaper than the step bit I suggested!
I hope no one took what I said the wrong way. The knowledge and experience on here is invaluable. I certainly appreciate and take advantage of it.
I misinterpreted what you were getting at in post #17.