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Okay,

So I have my slots cut on my headstock, and last night I drilled my 1/4" holes to install the tuners. I have Gotoh steel string tuners and there is a little ridge at the base of the post that keeps the tuner from going all the way flush to the side of the headstock. Can anyone tell me, should I ream the hole slightly for the ridge? Also, unfortunately I must have moved slightly on my lower right side hole and it's not straight with the other side. I think I'm going to glue a dowel in it and redrill. Any advice on these issues would be appreciated.

A greatful newbie enjoying his first build.

Sean

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change isn't synonymous with improvement
instagram.com/bucketguitars/

Next time drill the holes before cutting the slots. As far as hole location, the dowel and re-drill method is ok but the dowel will be visible inside of the slot.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

thanks for the tip. Do you know about the raised ridge at the base of the tuner?

_________________
change isn't synonymous with improvement
instagram.com/bucketguitars/

Thanks Todd,

Do you know where you can buy a plug cutter?

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change isn't synonymous with improvement
instagram.com/bucketguitars/

I use a coutersink bit to create the bevel to allow the gotoh tuner to seat .. you can also use a drill bit of the correct size.

plug cutters .. lee valley

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

the shaft of the tuner is 1/4", the ridge is slightly larger. Thanks for the reference to Lee valley. I also found them at Rockler if anyone else is looking.

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change isn't synonymous with improvement
instagram.com/bucketguitars/

I had the same issue, using the recommended drill bit, purchased from LMI.
I'm not sure why Gotoh does this, but it's easy to get around by using a countersink or a larger drill bit (with a stop!) to counterbore the first 1/8".

I have had quite good success using the little reamers that Stew-Mac sells for their Waverly tuner bushings. And actually, the one for mandolin tuners. The central guide is 1/4", and then the cutter is only slightly larger (I forget the exact number).
Just touch it into the existing hole, and you're there.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I use those for this step too. I think I have a full set of those bushing reamers, and I use them only after the peghead has been finished, so there is no finish to remove from the hole to fit the bushing (or slot head tuner). They are sharp enough to just cut, and not lift, the nitro lacquer I use.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin