Drilling Screw Holes

[RG462]

I am going to be refinishing a new body that will not have any screw holes. I have all the parts thats I need I just need to know how I would go about drilling screw holes such as the pickup rings, cavity screw holes, neck screws. What can I do to get the holes in the right spot and insure that my body stays safe?

[djpharoah]

Clamp the body down to a table or work bench.

Remember, measure twice cut once.

[RG462]

Are there any special templates or schematics that I need for placing for the screw holes?

[madpickin03]

laying down the hardwares 1st and mark them by pencil/marker works best for me.

Tape them in place with some masking tape also helps

[David McCarroll]

Originally Posted by madpickin03

laying down the hardwares 1st and mark them by pencil/marker works best for me.

Tape them in place with some masking tape also helps

Here's another couple of hints - actually cover the spots on the guitar where the holes are to be drilled with lo-tack masking tape, then trace the screw hole positions through the pickup rings, scratchplates etc onto the masking tape. You can centre punch the holes with a sharp awl (finger pressure only - no hammer or you may crack the finish), and you can drill pilot holes with a very small drill to start them. Another thing I have seen done also is to countersink each drill hole through the finish, so that when you screw each item on, the pressure of the screw head doesn't crack the finish

[RG462]

could i just use the orginal screws to make the holes?

[Demiurge]

Originally Posted by RG462

could i just use the orginal screws to make the holes?

To "self-tap" the holes? Not worth taking chances with the finish or the screws for that matter (if one snaps or strips while it's half-in... ugh!). +1 for the pilot holes.