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I'm going to install string ferrules into my hardtail strat copy, finished with polyurethane lacquer (I guess it's PU or PE? it's definitely not nitro), that's about 1mm thick. How should I go about the drilling so that the lacquer won't crack? Will heating it a little help?
Thanks a lot.

You may wish to wait for others to tune in but I have never had any problems if I first cover the target with masking tape and then use a good fresh bradpoint bit with sharp spurs.

Cheers

Kim

Thanks a lot, Kim, I didn't think of using a masking tape - I'll try that.

Use a sharp endmill instead of a drill and you will almost eliminate the possiblity of ripping out anything.

Do it on a drill press....don't try it freehand.

Just take it REAL easy as the bit approaches the wood...don't force it until the surface is fully penetrated. Take tiny little bites until then.

For a bit around 1/8" try to run the rpm above 2500 if possible.....otherwise just go nice and slow on the inital cuts.

If you must use a drill bit, make sure it's REAL sharp on the corners and use as high an rpm as your drill press will allow.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

I've heated a bit up with a torch first. The bit of melt on the initial entry stops the chipping, but it's a fine balance between enough heat and scorching or melting something you don't want to.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

I use a forstner bit and then countersink the hole. Even if you successfully drill a clean hole, the ferrule can still crack the poly when you press it in. I know other people who drill the hole too big on purpose and glue the ferrule in.
Use a drill press, lower the countersink very slowly using a fast speed setting.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Thanks a lot for the advices! I'm glad I asked first - I was thinking the slowest speed setting would do the job better
Will report back how the job turned out.

hey! i just did that 2 days ago for the first time in my life.

what i did was make a template out of baltic birtch ply, with a drillpress,
checked that with the bridge ferrules, if it fits,
mask and layout holes on the git,
clamped it to the body, and yay, it worked perfecto!
uh-oh, is that a les paul?
guess it wouldn't work there

Here's how it turned out - not perfect, but not too bad either, given it was my first try.
Fast speed on drill, drill stand, masking tape and this tutorial did the job.
Thanks once again for your help!