On more than one occasion, after bushing a violin pegbox, I've managed to ruin it by re-drilling the holes badly. I've always found this task difficult as there isn't an obvious reference point.
I've thought about making a jig for some time now and having just made a complete pig's ear of another bushing...
The jig, made from MDF, allows the pegbox to be firmly clamped in place onto my bench top bench, which in turn, allows sufficient clearance for the violin body.
An engineer's square is used to ensure the upper walls of the pegbox; the most reliable reference point, are parallel to the axis of the drill. A steel drill guide is mounted in the bridge attachment which can be moved to the required position.
The jig could be used with a drill press but I always feel I can restrict the potential damage if I use a hand drill. There may be some shouting and throwing of heavy objects about later this afternoon on its test run, if I manage to destroy another bushing.
