Drill press

[Arjan]

Hi all,

I'm planning a few builds (or more correctly: assemblies), notably a jazzmaster and a tele from parts, and I'm also planning to do a refret soon of a cheap test guitar I have lying around. I did two assemblies before (a strat and a tele), and I want to achieve higher precision for drilling straight holes. Therefore, I'm looking into buying a drill press.

I want to use the drill for drilling the neck pocket screw holes, pickguard holes, and I also want to use it to refret a neck using the stewmac fret press cauls:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...ress_Caul.html

Does anyone have any tips for me? I am based in Europe and I plan to look around for a used one.

Thanks!

[walterw]

you mean a drill press?

[Arjan]

Originally Posted by walterw

you mean a drill press?

Yes. Sorry, didn't know the right English word . I edited my original post to correct it.

[Mike9]

I would get one with at leas a 1/2" chuck, a depth stop and a quill lock. Sometimes I need to glue down frets I glue then press them home then lock the quill while the glue sets.

I use a carriage bolt that I file and sand the head smooth for pressing bushings and ferrules into necks and bodies. Chuck it in and Bob's your uncle. In fact I feel the drill press is indispensable in assembling guitars. If I had to get one stationary tool that would be it. Mill, drill, sand, press, brush, etc, etc, etc. It is easy to build jigs for specific operations and they are very adaptable.

I personally would not drill pickguard screws with a press. That requires moving the body too much. I start the holes with an awl then use a countersink bit to clean the finish away from the hole then use my awl to finish the pilot hole. A countersink bit is your friend.

[jfalcs]

A quill lock is definitely a welcome feature. I'd also avoid a radial press. A lot of people advocate them for the added capacity between the column and the chuck but they are tough to keep in square in my experience. Regardless of what you get, take the time to build a large auxiliary table to support your work.

[Arjan]

Thanks for your replies, that is very helpful for me. I'm planning to setup a nice work/hobby spot in our basement where I can work on guitars and have my tools organized.

A quill lock seems useful, but I only see it on the more expensive drill presses. Does it have any other use, apart from locking frets in to let the glue dry? Wouldn't a radius block + a couple of clamps achieve the same thing?

[satilight]

If you can find a used milling drill press, it would be a valuable tool for many projects.

[Mighty Melvin]

Here's my experience, condensed:

1. Don't get the cheapest smallest one. Get the next or the next next bigger.

2. Getting a drill press is like getting your driver's license. Your whole life will be better.

M

[VaughnC]

I've used the Stew-Mac fret cauls in my drill press with great success and I feel I have better control over seating frets than with a hammer. However, some feel very comfortable with a hammer too...so, whatever works for you is fine.

However, if you go the caul route, I highly recommend also getting the Stew-Mac neck support: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...xst=3&xsr=1975

[Arjan]

Thanks all for your input!