Acoustic Guitar Construction

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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?