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How to make holes in a "Custom Made" Plate for the nails?

Todd Louis

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Aug 7, 2002
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14,526
So How do i drill the holes on the sides of the plate so i can put the nails in?

What Bit, What Drill, Is there any other way of doing it?

Help Guys...

TL
 

J.D.

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May 24, 2006
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10,030
Some guys will just pound the brass nails (pins) through wherever they end up. Here's how I do them:

Select a drill bit about 1/2 the diameter of the pins
Drill two small holes; one on each outer edge of each body bushing.
Measure center to center of these holes exactly.
Transfer this measurement to the CM plate.
Mark these holes on the plate with a sharp center punch.
Drill the plate with the same bit used on the body.
Push the pins through the plate about 1/8" and align the pins exactly into the holes in the body.
Carefully tap each pin in with a small brass hammer until just lightly seated.
 

Todd Louis

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Aug 7, 2002
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Cool JD thanks but the Pins are tiny is there realy a bit small like that?
 

Kris Ford

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Jan 6, 2007
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Great post JD..was thinking of doing same on my SG for a Bigsby install.

My question to add to this is where would you source the small brad..is it something I could find at the hardware store?

I have bits down to micro sizes, so no worries there.

Todd, whatcha workin on that you want to put the plate on?
 

J.D.

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May 24, 2006
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10,030
I have some very old brass pins. The originals are solid brass with a rounded head.

Yes you can get bits down this small, you just need some finesse when using them, but they will bore a clean hole through wood without any problem.

Gibson may have just pounded the pins into the wood. I don't know exactly how it was done in the '60s. I never took the chance and always achieved excellent results with a little measuring and drilling. YMMV.
 

corpse

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Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
Hobby Shops sell bits for a pin vise- they are all the way down to the size of needles. Closest Hobby shop to you might be Mineola. On line might be the best.
 

J.D.

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May 24, 2006
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10,030
Don't forget to run a new ground wire to either the tailpiece (by the rear strap button) or bridge (treble side) stud :jim
 

Todd Louis

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Aug 7, 2002
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14,526
I got my brass pins in the hadware store.

Im finnishing up my 15' 59' 335 Historic
 

Todd Louis

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Aug 7, 2002
Messages
14,526
I dont have a drill, or the bit so ill be looking for it today.

I want to do it rignt
 

J.D.

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May 24, 2006
Messages
10,030
For historical accuracy, a '59 dotneck would have pearl circles covering the stop tp studs. The CM plaque didn't arrive until the blocknecks.
 
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