Thank you so much for this. It is great to find someone on RUclips who acknowledges that not all of have a drill press in our back pocket. I am building my first guitar ever from parts acquired and have just ordinary household tools. I have little talent and no experience. You are both an inspiration and of great practical help to me.
Really helpful, thanks! I’m currently rebuilding my first electric from 15 years ago, kind of a learning project but hopefully will be making it into a really good guitar
I used a $25 right angle screw jig from Amazon, and marked my drill bit with tape for the proper depth to drill my holes into my new strat neck. Took a lot of worry out of it for me, since it was my first time drilling a neck. Worked great, and it was worth the $25 not to ruin the neck. I'm pretty sure I use a 3/16 bit.
@@NathanSink I just checked at Lowe's , and they have drill guide for 8 bucks, but it's not as wide as the one on Amazon, but it would probably with also
I am building my own strat using an USA American Special body. But i believe the original Fender necks comes pre-drilled. But i would gone this way: get body and desired neck fit and clamp neck as straight as possible then figure out your string spacing for your bridge. Get the desired tremolo bridge and screw it on, then string up both high and low E-strings only and align them and make sure they are okay. Clamp down neck and drill holes. then fit on the rest.
0Imtheslime0 yep, I think it would work if you went this way. I believe that's essentially the same way I did it. Most important is to measure as many times as needed & drill only once! The guitar I built after this one didn't go so well, & I had to re-drill: ruclips.net/video/O_devvyFZLE/видео.html
Hello Nathan, I'm doing a kitchen table telecaster, no drill press. As you did .I'm dreading this step. This upload helped me out a lot! Especially the tip about wrapping the drill bit with tape. Thank you! So damn the torpedoes!
You rock with this stuff, l somehow just bought two strat bodies(relic finish,)and now ,l am here, one is a hollsworth pickup double bar and the next ,like a 54,two tone ,single coil setup, wish me luck, it's going to be cool
Revisiting this video series again. Awesome job Nathan, very informative and enjoyable. Thanks for taking the time to document the build and thanks for sharing.
You can do it! However, I do want to share that the next time it did this it didn’t go as well. You can see the video here if you want: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=sCykdpPikNG2G0So I don’t want to scare you, just re-emphasize going slow & making sure you’re ready & thought everything through. 🙂
Thank you for the video, incredibly informative, I will be coming back to this later on in the week when my baritone conversion neck shows up for my Strat, already blacked out the hardware (save the tuners of course haha) this afternoon!
Glad to help! Not to scare you or anything, but I thought I might also share this video where drilling the neck holes went wrong 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=v_L6Uvzd2KrAyBh- (it’s about 12:53 into the video). Bottom line is just be careful & take your time. 🙂
This might be a dumb question, but could you clamp the neck your way, drill two holes, insert and tighten two screws in those two holes to fixate the neck? Then remove the clamp and drill the remaining two holes?
The neck pop thing is to ensure the end of the heel is hard up against the pocket. Iv had some strats that sound dead and wouldn’t intonate on the high e until I did it to them. Others it didn’t seem to make a difference.
Glad to help! You might also check out this video where I did something similar but it didn’t go so well. (Just for the sake of lessons-learned) 😊 ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=CxGHAj6u6RcW8iUW
I have a Tonebomb body too but it''s in HSS route. I put only a little thought into the neck alignment and got lucky though. That's probably because the Stew Mac Mighty Mite neck was a very snug fit and the neck pocket was squared up nicely. After marking the neck drill locations through the body, I was just careful to use a drill press ... or lucky enough to now own a drill press. A machinist showed me to start all holes with a center drill countersink bit as it won't wobble like a drill bit. So the holes were started and positioned correctly. Anyway, that only applies if a person has a drill press. You've shown us how to get things right without a drill press. Thankfully guys like you are also showing people how to test neck alignment with the E strings on and the neck clamped in place. I could have completely botched the neck alignment because I didn't know that tip. Like you, I've spent way more on the project strat than a good Korean strat clone would have cost. That's not what it's about though!
4estGimp thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t heard from another Tonebomb customer. Glad everything worked out....even with the string alignment. 😊👍🏻
Thank you very much for your "tutorial" bro. I am like you. Not a professional luthier kk, and have a new neck coming today. I've done this before but had to check it again . Have the same problems and doubts you showed in your video kk, hope I do it ok. Thanks
Roberto Danenberg Candia thanks! Hope your project turns out well. As a word of caution, the next guitar I did this to, I screwed up. You can see it at about 15 minutes in this video: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html The problem was that I used a C-clamp. So, my advise is to use a good ratcheting clamp!
Thanks Nathan. I'm Tru-Oiling my neck right now(last coat), and then the dreaded fitting. Never done it before. I might chicken out! Haha BTW, i have no bench either. Haha
Brian Summers best of luck! This Strat turned out well for me, but I recently did a Tele (which I’ll make a video of at some point) that I screwed up. 😬 I used a c-clamp instead of grip style clamps & it moved on me. I had to plug the holes & re-drill. 😱 Just be careful!
@@NathanSink Ouch! I watched the StewMac vid, which i think you did as well and of course he used a StewMac clamp or a facsimile of. I worked in my friend Bil Mitchell's shop for a short time, but never got so far as installing a neck. Basic grunt work in a luthier's shop. Think i'll take it to "my guy". Peace and thanks again for contributing to the wonderful world of G.A.S.! ;-)
Thank you for this Video! Currently I´m building my own strat and I just got the same problems to fit my neck... maybe because of my bad skills when I drilled my bridge... BTW: Very nice looking strat you got there! ;) How much did you pay for the components?
Leonard Noll thank you! Hope your project goes well. I did have a nice spreadsheet with a cost breakdown of all the parts I bought, but I lost it when my computer broke down. I do remember that I bought nearly everything for under $900. Since then I have spent a little bit of money here & there on small little trial projects (like changing out the tuner buttons & staining/dyeing the fret dot markers). But I would definitely say everything came in under $1,000.
After 50+ years of playing Stratocasters and loving them dearly, I just can’t understand why people intentionally damage a guitars looks and calling it “relic” I don’t mean to diss you dude, fine video, it’s your guitar and you can do whatever you want!
@@NathanSink I agree. Not a fan of country or metal. I play RnB, soul and Gospel guitar. Well I’m a Metallica fan just not a metal fan or a fan of playing it.
It's like walking around in military uniform when you didn't serve. Trying to get credit for time put in when you just went to the store and bought it like a yuppie
Just wanted to inform you, the guy isn't doing the remodel on a Actual Fender Strat, the body & maybe neck is a Tone Bomb.... He is build his version, (Copy) of a Road Worn 62 strat.... Unless I'm Crazy, well No Comment lol... That's what I thought anyways
Would it be easier to just clamp the neck, score the holes, then take the neck off and drill it using a portable drill guide? That way the neck is lying down and you are pressing on it and the guide. You could also clamp the flat part of the neck to a workshop table and press down on the guide hard. Does that make sense? Do you know if there is a standard depth to drill the holes on a Fender neck?
Art Prince not sure about the standard depth for Fender. To your point, yes that would probably be easier if you had a portable drill guide to work with. This method is a quick & (hopefully) easy way for those that don't. Btw, this method worked great for this guitar, but on my next build things went South 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html
Old video I know but i would have used the back plate as the guide for the 4 holes, set the neck where I wanted, used a small punch or coat hanger even to mark where the holes go on the neck, then take a small bit to drill a tiny pilot hole jn the neck so the screw grabs. Put the neck back on, give'er. The screw should catch that pilot hole and go. Then I'd get the screws just where they hit the neck and hand tighten the rest. I've done it in the past without issue. Maybe I got lucky but it doesn't need to be that big of a stresser. ( as long as you don't go through the fretboard lol)
Good thoughts! I considered something like this, but I wasn't sure if I could get the holes marked/punched well enough. I think I kind of got lucky too, because I tried this method again & ran into issues, as seen here 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html
Randomly came across your comment again & thought I’d let you know about this newer method. Still may not be perfect, but I think it’s better. ruclips.net/video/iwKzeKXJoxY/видео.html
I did this (I am not super experienced, and 100% open to suggestions if somebody has a better method): 1. Carefully measure out the middle of the neck pocket at the start, middle and end of the pocket. Connect the dots with a line - this is the beginning of your centerline. 2. Extend the centerline from the neck pocket along the whole guitar body. A laser can be useful, but is not necessary. If you already have pickup cavities routed, you want to make sure that the centerline and the cavities line up properly. If you notice the cavities do not line up, you will need to adjust or plug in and reroute the cavities later, but not yet. 3. Now fit the neck, making sure it is perfectly aligned with the centerline. 4. Place the bridge by: a) Measure from the front (fretboard side) of the nut to the middle (top) of the 12th fret. Write down the number. From the middle of the 12th fret, measure the same distance onto the body. That is your scale length line. For standard Fender Strats, Teles and Jazzmasters, the scale length line is 25.5" (648 mm) from the front end of the nut. b) Now it depends what kind of bridge you have. Google StewMac fret calculator and find out how to place different kinds of bridges in relation to your scale length line. c) Generally speaking, for a simple hardtail bridge, you adjust the bridge saddle intonation screws so that the high E saddle is about 65% of its total possible adjustment range towards the neck. Then place the part of the high E saddle where the string will touch the saddle, right over the scale length line. Normally, the high E saddle will intonate a tiny tiny bit back from the scale length line, and all the other saddles will intonate further away from the scale length line towards the butt of the guitar. d) Lay the bridge on the body and make sure that the centerline on the body goes right through the gap between the G and the D saddle. For a Tune-o-matic bridge like on a Gibson Les Paul, the bridge posts should be a little offset (check the StewMac fret calculator page again) but for most other bridges, the bridge itself should be parallel with the center line. When you have rechecked the above measurements 2 more times, you mark the bridge fastening or centers of the bridge post holes, then use a brad point bit drill or a hole punch to dent the mark. Ideally use a drill press to drill the holes. If you do not have a drill press, start by drilling a very thin pilot hole, being very careful to keep it straight. Then drill gradually larger holes, until your drill bit is just slightly thinner than the screw (DO NOT use a drill bit that is equally wide or wider than the screw itself). That should be it. Long post. Ask more if you need clarification and I will try my best to answer.
www.amazon.com/Milescraft-1318-DrillMate-Drill-Guide/dp/B014A1Z92I I’m thinking I’ll lay a book, level, next to the heel so that I can lay the drill guide on top
I agree to an extent, although I think there are some that are close. I wish I would have faded the ‘ends’ of the relic on the back of my neck, but this was my first attempt.
At this time I did this I’m pretty sure a drill press wasn’t available at Harbor Freight for less than maybe $150. But I agree with you. They’re so affordable now it’s worth it.
Too much digressing... the vid title is drilling neck holes with no drill press. A hand drill with a 'bullseye level' can be good enough. But a drill press is precise and the best bet to use. Drill the holes with a bit just smaller than the diameter of the screws and ChapStick will very lightly lube the 4-screw threads to make installing screws easier. I mark the neck heel lightly with a nail just large enough to fit in the 4 neck-attachment-holes. Then drill into those 4 marks carefully and just deep enough. 'Deep enough' is just enough for the screw finally snug in at the neck/plate with the pointed end and barely starting to 'bite' raw wood of the neck rear face. Tap the neck heel after drilling to be sure any sawdust is removed...
Avery's Guitar Stuff it's nice to know someone else uses the word "janky" besides me. As far as the content, this is just my experience that I'm documenting. I don't claim to be an expert. However, this method worked for me & I have had no issues whatsoever with the way the neck fits & is attached to my guitar.
Thank you so much for this. It is great to find someone on RUclips who acknowledges that not all of have a drill press in our back pocket. I am building my first guitar ever from parts acquired and have just ordinary household tools. I have little talent and no experience. You are both an inspiration and of great practical help to me.
Thank you for the kind words & all the best with your project!
you really do all of us a favor by documenting your DIY adventures. please keep it up Nathan!
joey kimble thanks! It’s been a lot of work (the videos just as much as the guitar!), but comments like this make it worth it. 😊
Really helpful, thanks! I’m currently rebuilding my first electric from 15 years ago, kind of a learning project but hopefully will be making it into a really good guitar
Glad to help! All the best with your project. 👍🏻
Thanks for posting. I need to fit my neck and bridge soon, but I lack any sort of workbench or vise to hold everything together. This was helpful.
I used a $25 right angle screw jig from Amazon, and marked my drill bit with tape for the proper depth to drill my holes into my new strat neck. Took a lot of worry out of it for me, since it was my first time drilling a neck. Worked great, and it was worth the $25 not to ruin the neck. I'm pretty sure I use a 3/16 bit.
Nice! Way to get creative. 👍🏻 I’d love to see what you used. Do you have an Amazon link?
@@NathanSink I just checked at Lowe's , and they have drill guide for 8 bucks, but it's not as wide as the one on Amazon, but it would probably with also
@@caseylee12 oh gotcha. Thanks!
I am building my own strat using an USA American Special body. But i believe the original Fender necks comes pre-drilled. But i would gone this way:
get body and desired neck
fit and clamp neck as straight as possible then figure out your string spacing for your bridge.
Get the desired tremolo bridge and screw it on, then string up both high and low E-strings only and align them and make sure they are okay.
Clamp down neck and drill holes. then fit on the rest.
0Imtheslime0 yep, I think it would work if you went this way. I believe that's essentially the same way I did it. Most important is to measure as many times as needed & drill only once! The guitar I built after this one didn't go so well, & I had to re-drill: ruclips.net/video/O_devvyFZLE/видео.html
Hello Nathan, I'm doing a kitchen table telecaster, no drill press. As you did .I'm dreading this step. This upload helped me out a lot! Especially the tip about wrapping the drill bit with tape. Thank you! So damn the torpedoes!
Timothy J. Horan glad it helped! The method worked out great for me & I didn't have any fit-up or alignment issues. 👍🏻 Best of luck!
be sure a hand drill has a 'bubble' level in the hand-grip area so the bit is kept square to the area to be drilled...
You rock with this stuff, l somehow just bought two strat bodies(relic finish,)and now ,l am here, one is a hollsworth pickup double bar and the next ,like a 54,two tone ,single coil setup, wish me luck, it's going to be cool
@@Garyfisher-my4ew rock on 🤘🏻
I’ve been thinking over the last couple of days how to do exactly what you have just done,thank you
colin little glad to help. 😊
Revisiting this video series again.
Awesome job Nathan, very informative and enjoyable.
Thanks for taking the time to document the build and thanks for sharing.
evans lae thank you! It was hard work, but a labor of love. Glad to be of some help. 😊
@@NathanSink outstanding job of both the guitar and video content 👏
I'm about to do this exact procedure on my jaguar bass. Not gonna lie, I'm a little nervous. Thanks for sharing the way you accomplished it. -Cheers
You can do it! However, I do want to share that the next time it did this it didn’t go as well. You can see the video here if you want: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=sCykdpPikNG2G0So I don’t want to scare you, just re-emphasize going slow & making sure you’re ready & thought everything through. 🙂
Thank you for the video, incredibly informative, I will be coming back to this later on in the week when my baritone conversion neck shows up for my Strat, already blacked out the hardware (save the tuners of course haha) this afternoon!
Glad to help! Not to scare you or anything, but I thought I might also share this video where drilling the neck holes went wrong 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=v_L6Uvzd2KrAyBh- (it’s about 12:53 into the video). Bottom line is just be careful & take your time. 🙂
This might be a dumb question, but could you clamp the neck your way, drill two holes, insert and tighten two screws in those two holes to fixate the neck? Then remove the clamp and drill the remaining two holes?
Raunch I don't think it's a dumb question at all. Great idea! I think it would work!
The neck pop thing is to ensure the end of the heel is hard up against the pocket. Iv had some strats that sound dead and wouldn’t intonate on the high e until I did it to them.
Others it didn’t seem to make a difference.
Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
Thanks very much for this video! I'm doing the exact same thing now! Cheers!
Glad to help! You might also check out this video where I did something similar but it didn’t go so well. (Just for the sake of lessons-learned) 😊 ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.htmlsi=CxGHAj6u6RcW8iUW
I have a Tonebomb body too but it''s in HSS route. I put only a little thought into the neck alignment and got lucky though. That's probably because the Stew Mac Mighty Mite neck was a very snug fit and the neck pocket was squared up nicely. After marking the neck drill locations through the body, I was just careful to use a drill press ... or lucky enough to now own a drill press. A machinist showed me to start all holes with a center drill countersink bit as it won't wobble like a drill bit. So the holes were started and positioned correctly. Anyway, that only applies if a person has a drill press. You've shown us how to get things right without a drill press. Thankfully guys like you are also showing people how to test neck alignment with the E strings on and the neck clamped in place. I could have completely botched the neck alignment because I didn't know that tip.
Like you, I've spent way more on the project strat than a good Korean strat clone would have cost. That's not what it's about though!
4estGimp thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t heard from another Tonebomb customer. Glad everything worked out....even with the string alignment. 😊👍🏻
Thank you very much for your "tutorial" bro. I am like you. Not a professional luthier kk, and have a new neck coming today. I've done this before but had to check it again . Have the same problems and doubts you showed in your video kk, hope I do it ok.
Thanks
Roberto Danenberg Candia thanks! Hope your project turns out well. As a word of caution, the next guitar I did this to, I screwed up. You can see it at about 15 minutes in this video: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html The problem was that I used a C-clamp. So, my advise is to use a good ratcheting clamp!
@@NathanSink yeap, fortunately I have one of these at home. Bought it some time ago to do another job ...we'll see
@@NathanSink By now I'm watching another video of yours trying to redo an installation on a tele, the saga ends lol
Thanks Nathan. I'm Tru-Oiling my neck right now(last coat), and then the dreaded fitting. Never done it before. I might chicken out! Haha BTW, i have no bench either. Haha
Brian Summers best of luck! This Strat turned out well for me, but I recently did a Tele (which I’ll make a video of at some point) that I screwed up. 😬 I used a c-clamp instead of grip style clamps & it moved on me. I had to plug the holes & re-drill. 😱 Just be careful!
@@NathanSink Ouch! I watched the StewMac vid, which i think you did as well and of course he used a StewMac clamp or a facsimile of. I worked in my friend Bil Mitchell's shop for a short time, but never got so far as installing a neck. Basic grunt work in a luthier's shop. Think i'll take it to "my guy". Peace and thanks again for contributing to the wonderful world of G.A.S.! ;-)
Thank you for this Video! Currently I´m building my own strat and I just got the same problems to fit my neck... maybe because of my bad skills when I drilled my bridge...
BTW: Very nice looking strat you got there! ;) How much did you pay for the components?
Leonard Noll thank you! Hope your project goes well. I did have a nice spreadsheet with a cost breakdown of all the parts I bought, but I lost it when my computer broke down. I do remember that I bought nearly everything for under $900. Since then I have spent a little bit of money here & there on small little trial projects (like changing out the tuner buttons & staining/dyeing the fret dot markers). But I would definitely say everything came in under $1,000.
Thank you man! My project is almost finished... I´ve got some problems with my neck...fret buzzing everywhere...
After 50+ years of playing Stratocasters and loving them dearly, I just can’t understand why people intentionally damage a guitars looks and calling it “relic” I don’t mean to diss you dude, fine video, it’s your guitar and you can do whatever you want!
I understand. To each his own. Similar to the fact I don't really like country or metal music, but I get that some people do. Thanks for the comment.
@@NathanSink I agree. Not a fan of country or metal. I play RnB, soul and Gospel guitar. Well I’m a Metallica fan just not a metal fan or a fan of playing it.
It's like walking around in military uniform when you didn't serve. Trying to get credit for time put in when you just went to the store and bought it like a yuppie
@@PageandPlant4LifeI think you are just taking it too seriously. Quit worrying about what guitars people are using and practice.
Just wanted to inform you, the guy isn't doing the remodel on a Actual Fender Strat, the body & maybe neck is a Tone Bomb.... He is build his version, (Copy) of a Road Worn 62 strat.... Unless I'm Crazy, well No Comment lol... That's what I thought anyways
Would it be easier to just clamp the neck, score the holes, then take the neck off and drill it using a portable drill guide? That way the neck is lying down and you are pressing on it and the guide. You could also clamp the flat part of the neck to a workshop table and press down on the guide hard. Does that make sense? Do you know if there is a standard depth to drill the holes on a Fender neck?
Art Prince not sure about the standard depth for Fender. To your point, yes that would probably be easier if you had a portable drill guide to work with. This method is a quick & (hopefully) easy way for those that don't. Btw, this method worked great for this guitar, but on my next build things went South 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html
Old video I know but i would have used the back plate as the guide for the 4 holes, set the neck where I wanted, used a small punch or coat hanger even to mark where the holes go on the neck, then take a small bit to drill a tiny pilot hole jn the neck so the screw grabs. Put the neck back on, give'er. The screw should catch that pilot hole and go. Then I'd get the screws just where they hit the neck and hand tighten the rest. I've done it in the past without issue. Maybe I got lucky but it doesn't need to be that big of a stresser. ( as long as you don't go through the fretboard lol)
Good thoughts! I considered something like this, but I wasn't sure if I could get the holes marked/punched well enough. I think I kind of got lucky too, because I tried this method again & ran into issues, as seen here 😬: ruclips.net/video/Pj9CETVxFDE/видео.html
Good advice...thank ya
Glad to help!
Did you ever do a video on faking the clay dots? I've tried everything!
Just Griff yes, I found a formula that works! Check it out: ruclips.net/video/THaVYzvgkTw/видео.html
Randomly came across your comment again & thought I’d let you know about this newer method. Still may not be perfect, but I think it’s better. ruclips.net/video/iwKzeKXJoxY/видео.html
Hi, man.
What diameter of drill do you use?
My screw diameter measures 5mm. Do i use exact same gauge or smaller?
I believe I used a 1/8 inch bit (which is more like 3mm). Definitely go smaller than your screw diameter.
@@NathanSink Got it. Smaller than screw diameter. Thanks man
how about if you haven't had a hole in the bridge or not already install the bridge how to make it straight or line up
That would be a whole other video. :) I actually haven’t done that before. Hope you find some answers.
I did this (I am not super experienced, and 100% open to suggestions if somebody has a better method):
1. Carefully measure out the middle of the neck pocket at the start, middle and end of the pocket. Connect the dots with a line - this is the beginning of your centerline.
2. Extend the centerline from the neck pocket along the whole guitar body. A laser can be useful, but is not necessary. If you already have pickup cavities routed, you want to make sure that the centerline and the cavities line up properly. If you notice the cavities do not line up, you will need to adjust or plug in and reroute the cavities later, but not yet.
3. Now fit the neck, making sure it is perfectly aligned with the centerline.
4. Place the bridge by:
a) Measure from the front (fretboard side) of the nut to the middle (top) of the 12th fret. Write down the number. From the middle of the 12th fret, measure the same distance onto the body. That is your scale length line. For standard Fender Strats, Teles and Jazzmasters, the scale length line is 25.5" (648 mm) from the front end of the nut.
b) Now it depends what kind of bridge you have. Google StewMac fret calculator and find out how to place different kinds of bridges in relation to your scale length line.
c) Generally speaking, for a simple hardtail bridge, you adjust the bridge saddle intonation screws so that the high E saddle is about 65% of its total possible adjustment range towards the neck. Then place the part of the high E saddle where the string will touch the saddle, right over the scale length line. Normally, the high E saddle will intonate a tiny tiny bit back from the scale length line, and all the other saddles will intonate further away from the scale length line towards the butt of the guitar.
d) Lay the bridge on the body and make sure that the centerline on the body goes right through the gap between the G and the D saddle. For a Tune-o-matic bridge like on a Gibson Les Paul, the bridge posts should be a little offset (check the StewMac fret calculator page again) but for most other bridges, the bridge itself should be parallel with the center line.
When you have rechecked the above measurements 2 more times, you mark the bridge fastening or centers of the bridge post holes, then use a brad point bit drill or a hole punch to dent the mark. Ideally use a drill press to drill the holes. If you do not have a drill press, start by drilling a very thin pilot hole, being very careful to keep it straight. Then drill gradually larger holes, until your drill bit is just slightly thinner than the screw (DO NOT use a drill bit that is equally wide or wider than the screw itself).
That should be it. Long post. Ask more if you need clarification and I will try my best to answer.
@@meadish Thanks for sharing your approach!
Hmmm...was that drill in reverse?
It was going clockwise, so no, I don’t think so.
what size drill bit did you use?
@17:02 1/8” drill bit
Where did you get the candle wax like what brand is it ?
Avery's Guitar Stuff it's Scentsy I'm pretty sure. 😉
@@NathanSink Ok thanks
The best tool for keeping the neck aligned when drilling is a cam clamp.
Thanks for sharing! That would definitely provide more working room than a typical C-clamp.
They actually sell a drill guide on Amazon
nsc217 cool! Do you have a link?
www.amazon.com/Milescraft-1318-DrillMate-Drill-Guide/dp/B014A1Z92I
I’m thinking I’ll lay a book, level, next to the heel so that I can lay the drill guide on top
Wiggity Wax is were you wanna be.
What is it with those ridiculously reliced necks? There isn't a single neck out there who really aged that way.
I agree to an extent, although I think there are some that are close. I wish I would have faded the ‘ends’ of the relic on the back of my neck, but this was my first attempt.
Just buy a drill press. They’re $80 at Harbor Freight. Beats buying another neck.
At this time I did this I’m pretty sure a drill press wasn’t available at Harbor Freight for less than maybe $150. But I agree with you. They’re so affordable now it’s worth it.
Too much digressing... the vid title is drilling neck holes with no drill press. A hand drill with a 'bullseye level' can be good enough. But a drill press is precise and the best bet to use. Drill the holes with a bit just smaller than the diameter of the screws and ChapStick will very lightly lube the 4-screw threads to make installing screws easier. I mark the neck heel lightly with a nail just large enough to fit in the 4 neck-attachment-holes. Then drill into those 4 marks carefully and just deep enough. 'Deep enough' is just enough for the screw finally snug in at the neck/plate with the pointed end and barely starting to 'bite' raw wood of the neck rear face. Tap the neck heel after drilling to be sure any sawdust is removed...
Thanks for the info.
This is Janky af. Not a good video imo.
Avery's Guitar Stuff it's nice to know someone else uses the word "janky" besides me. As far as the content, this is just my experience that I'm documenting. I don't claim to be an expert. However, this method worked for me & I have had no issues whatsoever with the way the neck fits & is attached to my guitar.
@@NathanSink What kind of clamp did you use ? Amazon link ?
I used one from Harbor Freight, but one like this would work: amzn.to/37HV22d