Michael's First PBG Build - TL-1

[Dedman]

you will probably find the adjusters on the bridge are wound right down, but also check the fret heights with a straight edge, there might be a few that are in need of adjusting.

[michaelS31]

Thanks Dedman, will keep it in mind when it's reassembled...

[michaelS31]

Small ish update. Just started sanding with the 180 grit today. Took a while, but just watched netflix while doing it. Working my way through Utopia, bloody hilarious show.

I've also made a few practice attempts at string through holes using a hand drill, on a piece of oak 42mm wide. I've used an adjustable square with the rule removed to help keep the drill bit straight. I drilled through the two outside holes all the way through, and the four inside ones half way. I then flipped the wood over, lined up the bridge using pins in the outside holes and marked the location of the 4 inside holes. I then drilled through these ones.



I can get the holes relatively straight, however it's very hard to do repetitively. This is the best I can do - of 5 attempts, this was attempt number 3..I also have trouble locating the forstener bit for the ferrules - forgot to take a pic, but it's pretty rough.



I think I'm going to locate a drill press and make a drilling jig. I'll need one for the string holes and a larger diameter one for the ferrules. Rather not take a gamble on this.

Sanding this week - I'm going away next weekend, so I'll aim to have sanding done by Friday to try to get a coat of DT on. But, we'll see.

[michaelS31]

Not much news, just slowly sanding down the body when i get a chance. Just finished 220 grit.

[Andy40]

Michael good drilling practice. you can never have enough practice at this one. Its near impossible to get this perfect without a drill press but you can get close enough. I did not use a forstner bit for the ferrules, I used an appropriate sized drill bit that was marked with a nikko pen for depth. then...you guessed it, lots of practice. I think it turned out ok on mine.

[michaelS31]

Thanks Andy, practice makes perfect (or near enough to perfect). I liked the way you did yours - they came up alright!

I've been practising with the forstener bit but it's still a bit dodgy. My thinking though is that close enough is ok - the smaller holes just have to be close but not perfect since they're covered by the bridge anyway. As for the rear ones, as long as the ferrule holes are straight then it should be ok, right?

[Andy40]

as long as the ferrule holes are straight then it should be ok, right?

Yep, spot on. Even if the string through holes are slightly out (which is almost inevitable without a drill press), the larger diameter of the ferrule holes will cover it. So I found it helpful to measure and draw out the spacing and marking of the ferrule holes at the back of the body once the string through holes were drilled. the drill bit will always gravitate toward the string through hole (which may be off centre) but I would drill a small pilot hole first at the centre to keep it straight.

[michaelS31]

Rightio, been a while but finally got an afternoon to work on this.
Firstly, string through holes. Did one practice run, using a similar method to my previous posts

1. Position bridge and mark holes.
2. Drill outside holes all the way through and inside holes halfway
3. Flip body and mark centres of 4 inside holes.
4. draw squares that would encompass the ferrule holes - makes sure they stay in line and evenly spaced
5. Drill Ferrule Holes
6. Drill remaining string throughs.

I used a hand drill and my notched square to help keep them straight - same as the previous post.
I did one more practice one on some scrap before biting the bullet.
Alright, here's the view from the top (After steps 1 and 2)


After flipping the body and marking some holes. Very messy with the pencil marks!



Breathe deeply and slowly, position the forstener bit carefully...



Looks good so far! Let's finish it off



Boo yeah!



Question: At the moment the ferrules are just sitting loosely - I used a 3/8 Forstener bit to make the holes. Too large a diameter? Any tips for fixing them in the holes?

Also finished sanding today 400 grit baby!

[gavinturner]

Nice job! You've done amazing well with hand tools. I've had so many problems with this in the past.

cheers,
Gav.

[Dedman]

if they aren't too sloppy your paint/clear might take up the slack