tuner slots

Solid wood and laminates -- carving process, dimensional concerns, shape preferences
peter havriluk
Posts: 984
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: Granby, CT

tuner slots

Post by peter havriluk » Mon Nov 18, 2024 1:42 am

I didn't want to contaminate Kevin's project diary, but I have a question related to today's post:;;;

I am about to create tuner slots on my current project. right now I have four holes drilled in the peghead that somehow need connecting in pairs to give me tuner slots. I have zero experience doing this. Suggestions?

Thanks!
Peter Havriluk

Herman
Posts: 1674
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
Contact:

Re: tuner slots

Post by Herman » Mon Nov 18, 2024 2:54 am

Hee Peter,
The cleanest way is to make yourself a template of the headstock from 3/8" MDF or plywood.
That clamped on de head you can drill a lot of holes in the area where the slots should become.
With a bearing guided flush cut bit, 1" long and 1/4" wide, you can rout out the slot.
(Go slow and carefull. Inserting the log bit can be tricky when it is running)
Ah well, that's my way, but I know some use a sharp slanted cut off drill bit in the drillpress to do the routing.
I think Kevin does so.
Good luck mate
Herman

Kevin in California
Posts: 2799
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: tuner slots

Post by Kevin in California » Mon Nov 18, 2024 10:05 am

Peter
Don't do anything yet.
Let me explain it to you but I'll do it later today.

Kenny Wiebusch
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2019 11:39 pm
Location: Southeast Texas

Re: tuner slots

Post by Kenny Wiebusch » Mon Nov 18, 2024 12:23 pm

Drill the side holes first to avoid blowout in the slot. I use a 1/2" forstner bit from both sides with pilot holes that go all the way through again to avoid blowing out the backside. I plan to start using a template and router for a much cleaner job. FWIW my first one got smashed across the vice it was so bad!

Herman
Posts: 1674
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
Contact:

Re: tuner slots

Post by Herman » Mon Nov 18, 2024 2:00 pm

Kenny's right. Drill the tuner hole first! It saves you a lot of tear out in the slots :D

peter havriluk
Posts: 984
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: Granby, CT

Re: tuner slots

Post by peter havriluk » Mon Nov 18, 2024 3:27 pm

Thanks folks.

First thing I did was cut the outline. Second thing was drill the tuner holes. Third thing was drill four holes at the top and bottom of each slot location. Next will be turning four holes into two slots.
Peter Havriluk

Kevin in California
Posts: 2799
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: tuner slots

Post by Kevin in California » Tue Nov 19, 2024 2:23 pm

Hey Peter
At the stage your at now I don't think the process I use will help you much but you could try it if you have a template of your headstock with the tuner slots cut out. If you don't then just proceed by cutting out the rest of the slots with a Saber saw, jig saw or small hand saw then clean them up with files and sanding sticks. Probably what you had planned to do anyway?

Post Reply