Slotted headstocks

[Fisherman]

Hi guys,

I'd like to improve my process for making a slotted headstock. My last couple have suffered from a few wood chips when I drill the roller holes. Nothing major but not perfect. I'm wondering if I have the steps around the wrong way?

Do you rout the slots after drilling the holes or before? I've been routing first.. drilling second. Any other tips you may have much appreciated!

[kiwigeo]

Hi guys,

I'd like to improve my process for making a slotted headstock. My last couple have suffered from a few wood chips when I drill the roller holes. Nothing major but not perfect. I'm wondering if I have the steps around the wrong way?

Do you rout the slots after drilling the holes or before? I've been routing first.. drilling second. Any other tips you may have much appreciated!

Definitely drill tuner holes before doing the slots. If you must do it the other way around....make up some tight fitting wooden blanks to insert in the slots to minimize break through when doing the tuner holes. Using a good quality brad tip bit can help as well.

[Fisherman]

Thanks Martin!

[Mark McLean]

Amen to Martin's advice. Drill the holes for the tuners into the solid headstock and you will get nice clean holes. It is best done with a drilling jig to get them evenly spaced and parallel. Then rout the slots.

[Steve.Toscano]

As others have said drill the holes first.

If cutting the slots by hand i drill a hole with a 14mm bit at the top and bottom of each slot and then join these with a jewellers saw. Clean up with a chisel.

Otherwise invest in a router jig for the job. I got one from the luthier tool company, pricey but well worth it.