Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

[357mag]

I will be receiving a wiring harness for my Les Paul tomorrow. Four CTS pots and orange drop caps. My plan is to remove the stock pots from my Epiphone Les Paul and stick the CTS assembly in there. My question is about making the pot shaft holes in the body a little bigger to accomodate the larger diameter CTS pots.

What size drill bit or dremel do I need to get? I don't want to get this part of the operation wrong.

I'm not worried about the soldering or any of that stuff but I don't want to make the holes in the body too big.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

The correct tool for that job is a hand reamer.

 

[357mag]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

The correct tool for that job is a hand reamer.

I already own one of those so I'm good to go then.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

Be aware that some hand reamers can leave a ragged looking hole. The cheap ones I have do this. You really only notice it up top, because of the finish. It's hidden by the nuts and washers but still, it bugs me. One day, I'll invest in one of the better reamers that have one rounded edge/side to keep the hole smooth. But they are kind of expensive. In the meantime, I use the reamer to open the hole to almost full size and then use other means to finish up so the holes end up round/smooth.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

Yes, it pays to invest in a good tool, or borrow one from a woodworking friend. The reamer will give you the most control over the diameter, and will prevent chipping around that hole. But you need a good one, and those can be expensive if you plan on using it just once.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

In a pinch I have also used a stepped drill bit but a reamer is definitely the proper tool to use

 

[Paully]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

I have this. It's inexpensive and extremely sharp. All around nice tool.
https://m.harborfreight.com/t-handle-reamer-66936.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

I have this. It's inexpensive and extremely sharp. All around nice tool.
https://m.harborfreight.com/t-handle-reamer-66936.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

This style will absolutely chatter and leave a less than sharp edge (especially in softer woods). You can use it in a pinch but go slow and deliberate.

A half round is what you really want, but unless you think you will use it later, the cost may not make sense.

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Reamers/Peghole_Reamers.html

*EDIT* I found this one on Amazon for $17!

https://www.amazon.com/ULTNICE-Viol...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E2MV5CJNPY8ZHBK4X5DX

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

^^ Nice Find^^. Maybe not top notch quality but looks like the right type at a decent price.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

I have the StewMac version and it works quite well. I ordered the Amazon when I found it, so we will see.

I just wish I could find one that maxed out larger than 10mm

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

I have the Harbor Freight version posted above, as well. Absolutely no issues using it in Maple, Alder or Mahogany so far for both tuner holes and pot holes. Clean cuts all the way. Plus, it goes wider than 10mm, which is useful at times.

:dunno:

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

I bought the HF version years ago (still have it) for reaming out Ibanez bodies to accept CTS pots. Could never get a clean enough cut to avoid chipping the paint. I tried once on a Gibson headstock to clean up some blind person drilling, and nada. That is what prompted me to suck it up and buy the Stew Mac.

Of course, now it seems everyone has a version for $20.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

The HF version wasn't nearly sharp enough...it left some chipping for me.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Question concerning a future project on my Epiphone Les Paul

Amazon reamer showed up today, and I can't complain about $17. The max diameter is just shy of 10mm on my calipers, and I was able to enlarge a smooth hole in is 1/8" ply. I would definitely recommend it for anyone that could use it.