Drilling into a finished guitar

Crane

Crane

New member
Hey Folks,


Just spent a while searching for tips on how to drill a hole into a finished guitar body. Not much info. out there that I could find.
I want to drill a hole into a semi hollow body for a coil split switch. I really don't like push/pull pots and it took me a lot of time and money (buying the wrong size pots) to get to where I am now. I got all the electronics figured out and ready to drill but I was hoping to see it done on YT for reference. The only thing I found out was that it may be best to drill a tiny bit backwards first because it has less chance of turning the clear coat foggy.

I think I will be ok because the washer and nut will cover the area immediately around the hole but if you have done this and have some tips, please leave them here.



TIA
 
You should be fine with a semi hollow body. That's a good idea to drill backwards a bit. With a thick finish on a solid body, it can crack the finish. Ways to avoid this if the finish is thick is to use a router or a drill press. If it's a thin finish, it should be ok tho.
 
Crane said:
Hey Folks,


Just spent a while searching for tips on how to drill a hole into a finished guitar body. Not much info. out there that I could find.
I want to drill a hole into a semi hollow body for a coil split switch. I really don't like push/pull pots and it took me a lot of time and money (buying the wrong size pots) to get to where I am now. I got all the electronics figured out and ready to drill but I was hoping to see it done on YT for reference. The only thing I found out was that it may be best to drill a tiny bit backwards first because it has less chance of turning the clear coat foggy.

I think I will be ok because the washer and nut will cover the area immediately around the hole but if you have done this and have some tips, please leave them here.



TIA
Click to expand...
Crane,

I just did what you're asking about, last weekend.

Check out replies #78 to present in the thread below.

And yes, the key is first drilling a small hole
- I did a 5/64" bit size - from the backside, and THEN drilling the needed size for the 2 way switch's shaft size from the frontside. In my case, i found that my 2 way switch's shaft size was 1/4"

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/for...5&share_fid=1496&share_type=t&link_source=app



Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
 
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All of the above. Start small, start slow. Never done the tape trick but sounds smart.

Consider: if it's a valuable instrument, might be worth the $50 to have a pro do this for you.

I've drilled many holes in thick poly finishes and have never had the finish crack or get weird. I tend to wing it and be a little sloppy, too. But caution is usually a good thing.
 
I've always done it by putting a piece of painters tape over the area, bringing the drill up to speed and then applying very light downwards pressure.
 
Bradpoint bits also are good for drilling these sort of holes. Not only do they locate without wandering, but the extra cutting surface on the outside make for very clean holes.
 
i use painters tape and bradpoint bits in a drill press for something like this. if didnt have a bradpoint the right size id take an awl and put a tiny dent to help center the drill bit. i have a large bag full of shot that is great for getting odd shape things into the proper position on the drill press but a good electric drill obviously can work fine too
 
Alex and Jeremy got it right with suggesting a brad point drill bit and go very slowly. If the finish is lacquer, it will chip and/or blush from a regular jobbers twist drill. Don't even chance using one...repairing the damage it can cause can be very expensive. The brad point cuts a clean hole without the heat created with a regular drill bit (heat causes the blushing, and the angle of the tip causes the chipping).

And, yes, by all means use a drill press and hold down the guitar very firmly so the drill won't grab and make a disaster...that's the biggest problem with using a hand drill.
 
I've never heard of bradpoint bits. I may pick up a few regardless - but for now my fiance has all but convinced me not to drill a hole in the guitar. I am currently trying to find push/pull pots that will fit and are to my liking (high rotational torque).
 
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