Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

[Reichbaum]

I'm replacing the pickups in my Ibanez AS53, and adding two series/coil/parallel switches and one out of phase switch. (Already decided against the triple shots). I'd like to try this project myself instead of having a shop do it, although I'm finding it really hard to get any info online regarding drilling holes into a hollowbody top...

I know there's a risk of cracking the wood, so wondering what type of drill bit to use. Any help or pointers would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Eric

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

You could use push pull pots or ,my favorite, push push pots
And leave no new holes

Take some blue painter's tape
Put over the finish where you plan on the hole

Small bit first for a pilot hole
Then slowly size up to the switch size

If you have sharp fresh bits it shouldn't split out too bad

If you go from the front to the cavity, the tear out will be hidden in the cavity

If you step the sizes up slowly, it may not tear out at all

Blue tape on top though so when the drill falls through, you don't mar the top as the chuck slams into the finish

Oh and let the drill do the work
Dont press hard

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

Nevermind, Ehdwuld beat me to it.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

No, don't use regular twist drills, use brad point drills, they don't tear or splinter the wood. They don't "drill" a hole, they "cut" a hole. Still, go slow and tightly hold the guitar down so it doesn't get "sucked up" into the drill. Also, it's best to use a drill press so you can better control the speed of the depth cut.

But really, just use p/p pots so you don't have to drill any holes.

Why did you decide against the Triple Shots? That's by far the best way to accomplish series/split (to either coil)/parallel. And...no holes, no p/p pots.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

You COULD ream it up to near-size and finish with the correct size drill bit in a manual t-handle (by hand)

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

No, don't use regular twist drills, use brad point drills, they don't tear or splinter the wood. They don't "drill" a hole, they "cut" a hole. Still, go slow and tightly hold the guitar down so it doesn't get "sucked up" into the drill. Also, it's best to use a drill press so you can better control the speed of the depth cut.

But really, just use p/p pots so you don't have to drill any holes.

Why did you decide against the Triple Shots? That's by far the best way to accomplish series/split (to either coil)/parallel. And...no holes, no p/p pots.

Doc
I was referring to a step process of gradually increasing bit sizes to minimize tear out
Your process of course wouldn't work with steps
As the center brad point wouldn't have anything to bite on after the first step

But then you could just go directly to the size you want,
Without steps

Most folks have the twist drills
And are unfamiliar with the Brad points

But yes you are correct


I have triple shots in two guitars and they are awesome

Mainly because I don't have to drill extra holes for switches

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

In the past, I've recommended a .22. I think it would work well here, too.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

They make Ibbys with split switches already in them. I’d sell that one and buy the one I wanted.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

Doc
I was referring to a step process of gradually increasing bit sizes to minimize tear out
Your process of course wouldn't work with steps
As the center brad point wouldn't have anything to bite on after the first step

But then you could just go directly to the size you want,
Without steps

Most folks have the twist drills
And are unfamiliar with the Brad points

But yes you are correct


I have triple shots in two guitars and they are awesome

Mainly because I don't have to drill extra holes for switches

You are absolutely correct with the process you have described. I wasn't in conflict with any of it. I suggested that if he is drilling NEW holes in a guitar, start with brad point drills. The cost of buying a brad point would be way way less than a repair if some of the wood splinters. The OP is obviously new to woodworking (read his first post) and the risk of destroying his guitar is even higher (been there, done that...I think we all have made some serious mistakes along the way and, when looking back on them, wish we had done it a little differently or a little more carefully). I'm just wanting to spare him some very real potential heartache.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

In the past, I've recommended a .22. I think it would work well here, too.

The .22 will work if he is planning on using mini toggles. But if he is gonna use p/p switches he'll need a .38 or even a .45.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Drilling holes in a semi hollow body??

Still, for the life of me, I can't understand why you would rather drill holes in your guitar than use Triple Shots, or even p/p pots. And if you've never done that before, it's just foolish and crazy...bordering on insanity. Remember to take your Valium before making your final decision to do this.