New TL-1 Build - String Through Question

[nDR01d]

Hello peoples,
So today my TL-1 came, and I am considering making it a string through. Is this process easy, when is the right time to do it (ie: before painting/after painting) and is it just a case of lining up where the bridge will go and drill front to back, then drill back to front for the ferules countersinking (hope that's the right word)? Or is it something completely different?
Thanks.

[Fretworn]

I would suggest measuring and drilling everything before the finish. Do you have access to a drill press large enough the reach across the body?

[wokkaboy]

Hey Ndroid, be worth buying a string through bridge. Do all the drilling before you start the finish.
As Fretty has said a drill press will make the job easier and more accurate.
I usually drill say a 2 or 2.5mm drill all the way though is usally big enough for the E string.
Then work out the ferrule diameter and only drill in the back as deep as the ferrule so it seats nicely

[nDR01d]

Thanks guys. Yep, I own a drill press. I did buy a string through bridge with 3 copper saddles for $10 on ebay. Cha ching. So I'll sand and seal before I drill. By time I'm finished doing that, the bridge from ebay should have arrived. Then away I go!

[wokkaboy]

sounds good NDroid. Check the clearance of your drill press to make sure you will have the reach from the post to the drill centre.
Sounds like a plan you have.

[Brendan]

From memory someone has done a stringthrough how to on the forum. Don't quote me, but using the press, drill pilot holes for the outside two "E" strings all the way through the body using the bridge as a guide. Drill half way through for the rest. Turn the body over and using the two outside pilot holes and the bridge, drill the other half way for the remaining strings. That way you should have ferrules that line up nicely on the back of the guitar. It seems that otherwise you generally get a little drift and one or more of the holes don't quite line up...
Worth a google to see if what I've rememberred is correct.

[Gavin1393]

You simply MUST use brad point drills and a wide mouthed drill press otherwise you are likely to be VERY disappointed with the results.
The smaller drill presses from the major stores do not have a wide enough mouth and when thats the only thing standing between you and playing your freshly build guitar the thought will go into your head as you reach for your hand drill "How difficult could it be really?"

Exact thing happened to a very good friend of mine, and if any of you good friend dob me in that'll ruin the friendship!!

[Island_Moose]

I've got a very simple drill-press attachment for my hand drill that would work, you can buy them very cheaply just about anywhere. Keeps the drill bit square on all planes.

[pablopepper]

One like this, Moose?



I've got a few of these, I wouldn't use them for string throughs, too much play in them. I mean, they'll do the job, but I would be very surprised if the holes on the other side lined up correctly.

[Island_Moose]

Yeah, mine's a bit like that, but mine have metal bushings that slide up and down the shafts, it's pretty tight, but I suppose it does introduce some risk that something will move.