Apologies if this has been asked and answered a thousand times before but what's the best way to enlarge an 8mm vintage hole to a modern 10mm hole for tuners on a finished neck? I've seen things from hand held drill bits to drill bits used backwards to reamers for tuning pegs from both sides and even hand filing. It's a varnished tele neck that I got as part of a kit bought at the 2016 Birmingham guitar show that I'm finally getting round to looking at. What I don't want to do is crack and splinter the finish as it looks quite thick.
There's a far wider choice of tuners for 10mm holes than there is vintage.
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A tapered reamer would now be my choice of weapon.....
I don't use the drill bit in a power drill, I hold it in a hand clamp and turn it manually, which gives much more control and will let you feel if it's snagging.
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"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Rear_Peghole_Reamer.html
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"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I've already bought a cheap taper reamer, however I'm a sucker for proper tools.
@ICBM, if I order one to get my neck bored out, do you want me to order one for you as well? Or would you want to buy a used once (or is that 6 times...) one?
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
'tis ordered. I'll give you a shout once it's here, and I've done what I need to.
Having looked at the body there are no holes for the bridge and it's not got any finish on it. It's looking like I'll have to wait for warmer weather as I've nowhere heated to be able to spray. Giving me enough time to buy all the fittings for it. And there was me thinking telecasters were a simple build.
I do get envious of those with dedicated workshop space, or even just space in general!