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Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines
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Author:  Corky Long [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

I've got Gotoh open back tuners and like the look of the ferrules that can be mounted around the post. the post is .25" and the ferrule seems to be a strange diameter - about .350". These look like they might even be intended to be pressed in - but I'd be very nervous about that. Does anyone use these tuning machines and ferrules? How do you mount them? Some kind of forstner bit mounted on a .25" post? Thanks.

Author:  ChuckB [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

I use the appropriate one of these, http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... amers.html ,makes it easy,

Chuck

Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

+1 on the StewMac reamers. One tip, use them in a drill press at slow speed, they'll wobble a little in a hand drill and you'll get a loose fit.
Try this for pressing them in-

http://kennedyguitars.com/_Kennedy_Guit ... press.html

Author:  Kent Chasson [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

I've given up trying to press them in with a friction fit. You risk splitting the headplate veneer or having them work loose over time. They can also be a huge pain to remove. I drill so they drop in snug and use a drop of medium viscosity super glue.

The Stew-Mac reamers are a good way to go.

Author:  Arnt Rian [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

Kent Chasson wrote:
I've given up trying to press them in with a friction fit. You risk splitting the headplate veneer or having them work loose over time. They can also be a huge pain to remove. I drill so they drop in snug and use a drop of medium viscosity super glue.

The Stew-Mac reamers are a good way to go.



I've had the same experience. It seems that with some tuners (Grover Sta-tites specifically), the ferrule dimensions vary ever so slightly between the production runs, perhaps due to differences in the finishing process, who knows. Anyways, the difference can be enough crack the finish, or they can bee too loose, so test before you go live...

Author:  John Arnold [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

I step-drill the holes in the drill press. With standard twist drills, I generally drill the small hole first, then drill the counterbore.
I use a cut-off reamer (the 1/8"-1/2" 6-flute utility type) to taper-ream the counterbore for the bushings. The reamer measures about 5/16" in diameter on the small end.
I ream it until the bushing will drop into the hole about 1/8" off the surface of the peghead. That is usually enough to hold it into place once pressed in, but not so much that it can damage the finish or the wood.
I press the bushings in with a small c-clamp, using a padded block on the back of the peghead.

Author:  Ron Belanger [ Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

Terence Kennedy wrote:
+1 on the StewMac reamers. One tip, use them in a drill press at slow speed, they'll wobble a little in a hand drill and you'll get a loose fit.
Try this for pressing them in-

http://kennedyguitars.com/_Kennedy_Guit ... press.html


Exactly what I do. [:Y:]

Author:  Burton LeGeyt [ Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

Good advice from everyone Corky. Definitely buy the S. Mac reamer, it is money well spent. I have never had a cracking problem when pressing them in but that's not to say it isn't in my future. It should be obvious when starting to push it in by hand if it won't want to go when really pressed.

On some of those Gotoh's there is a small bit requiring the underside to be slightly reamed as well. With the open back ones from LMI you have to do that for it to sit tightly against the back of the headstock. I use the same reamer and just open it the smallest bit.

Author:  Corky Long [ Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

Thanks all. Great advice. Just bought the appropriate Stewmac reamer.

Burton, yes, that little nub on the base of post on the tuning machine has perplexed me in the past. Great to know that the reamer will solve for that too. Thanks.

Author:  woody b [ Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help with mounting ferrules for open back tuning machines

Kent Chasson wrote:
I've given up trying to press them in with a friction fit. You risk splitting the headplate veneer or having them work loose over time. They can also be a huge pain to remove. I drill so they drop in snug and use a drop of medium viscosity super glue.

The Stew-Mac reamers are a good way to go.



Splitting the headplate veneer?????? So that's why I'm refinishing a headstock right now wow7-eyes

I love the look of open back tuners, but wish someone could make some with nuts like closed back tuners, instead of press in bushings.

+1 for the stew mac reamers.

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