Recommended Drill Jig?

[Mad Monk]

Hello everyone,

I don't have access to a proper drill press - so would either of these work for precise drilling of tailpiece bushings and/or neck mounting holes?

http://www.rockler.com/jig-it-drill-guide

http://www.garrettwade.com/portable-drill-guide-jig/p/91G01.05/

Is there anything else you might recommend?

Thanks

 

[Axis29]

I have one like the Garrett Wade one.... But, I much prefer a drill press. I've used the portable one out on jobsites. It does work okay... If you're just doing on body, it would probably be okay, but, for more than one, I'd find a drill press on Craigslist.

 

[B. Howard]

Right tool for the job equals a job done well. Using something else and you just never know until it's too late.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Absolutely acceptable for neck mounting holes. A bit more questionable for bridge work. But with care either can produce acceptable results.

 

[bluesjunior]

If it is just for the occasional use or money is a problem then one similar to either of the ones in the links are sufficient and do an excellent job.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-Dr...197?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a366a66ad

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dremel-dr...r_Tools_Batteries_Buffers&hash=item3389ee8b10

 

[Mad Monk]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I didn't realize how inexpensive some of the desktop drill presses are. So a drill press it is and I'll just have to build enough guitars to make the investment worth it.

 

[Mad Monk]

Any opinions on something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/WEN-4205-8-In...1390427797&sr=8-32&keywords=Drill+Press+Stand

Or this?

http://www.amazon.com/Terratek-TDP13-Drill-Press-8-Inch/dp/B005S8TGRC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_6

Would 8 inch be a good size for typical guitar building tasks - like bridge bushings, neck holes, tuner holes, etc.?

I would hate to ruin a great piece of wood by not using the right tool.

Thanks again for the suggestions. If this is the right tool to invest in, or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know.

Thanks again

 

[Quarter]

Would 8 inch be a good size for typical guitar building tasks - like bridge bushings, neck holes, tuner holes, etc.?

8" swing means that the center of the chuck / bit is actually only 4" from the post. That means that it can not drill any hole more than 4" in from an edge.

 

[bunny]

All of those hand dril stands are shaky and most of them won't allow you to drill far enough from the body edge. You can find or make a simple and sturdy fixture (like the one traditoinaly used for go-bar clamping) and mount the drill stand "inversed" with the rod hanging down inside the box. I used a jig like this for quite a long time.

But a "real" medium to large drill press is a great thing to have for many reasons, exceeding just accurate drilling. You can use Forstner bits, big diameter, so your routing becomes easier and faster. You can press in frets. You can use Robo-Sander or other sanding drums. Wagner Safe-T planner is a nice tool that works with the drill press.

 

[Mad Monk]

All very good points. Thanks for all the input.

I started this looking for a way to avoid getting a drill press and now realize that is exactly what I'll end up doing.

Now watch, I'll also end up with a table saw, a belt sander and a planer.

I should have never assembled that first partscaster. It's the gateway drug to a complete wood shop.