Drilling into my neck

['59]

Good morning gang, I recently acquired a Stratocaster neck with no neck pocket holes drilled into it. I also need to drill holes for the tuner nubs so the Fender locking tuners I have can finally have a home. What's the procedure to get this done right? I'm guessing it would be fine to seat the neck, clamp it, and use the holes in the body as a pilot for a center punch, but that feels too low tech and iffy. As for the tuner nubs, I have no idea as to what to do

[GuitarDoc]

Yes, seat the neck and use the holes in the body to mark/punch the holes for the neck.

The best way to get the nub holes correct for the tuners is this device from StewMac:

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/jigs-and-fixtures-for-guitar-building-and-repair/tuner-pin-drill-jig

This works great, but it's a bit pricy though.

Another way is to install the tuners, line them up, then tap them on the back with a wooden mallet, or a hammer with a piece of wood on top of the tuners so not to scratch them. This will mark where the holes should be. Then carefully drill them. Or you could place a piece of carbon paper under the nubs and lightly tap to mark where the holes should be.

[solspirit]

Yes, seat the neck and use the holes in the body to mark/punch the holes for the neck.

The best way to get the nub holes correct for the tuners is this device from StewMac:

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/jigs-and-fixtures-for-guitar-building-and-repair/tuner-pin-drill-jig

This works great, but it's a bit pricy though.

Another way is to install the tuners, line them up, then tap them on the back with a wooden mallet, or a hammer with a piece of wood on top of the tuners so not to scratch them. This will mark where the holes should be. Then carefully drill them. Or you could place a piece of carbon paper under the nubs and lightly tap to mark where the holes should be.

Yes, I totally agree with the neck. Your tuner solution is good too, but I usually put them in and tighten them until they dimple the back of the headstock and take them out and drill the little post hole.

['59]

How do I make sure they don't go crooked? tightening until they dimple sounds like a receipe for crooked tuners

[solspirit]

How do I make sure they don't go crooked? tightening until they dimple sounds like a receipe for crooked tuners

They won't, if you're really worried put a small shim on the opposite side.

[GuitarDoc]

If you're concerned, yes, put a shim under the side of the tuner, tighten it just snug, hold a piece of wood on the back of the tuner, then tap it with a hammer.
If the tuners have a hard time seating all the way after doing this, make sure the hole are in the correct place then just drill out the holes slightly larger until they seat