How do I drill the 5/16" holes for string ferrules

Yeah, good thing you tried that on scrap for sure! Can you measure the outer diameter of the ferrules, not the flange, precisely? I'd do that and see if you have a drill bit that will match it, and try again on the wood. Maybe these are listed as 5/16" but the shaft is a touch smaller? Or maybe 5/16" is the flange diameter?

I'm guessing @vid1900, @Believer7713, or other knowledgable builders can tell you how to do this right.

 

Forstner bit. Clean cut hole with no tear-out.

 

or..if you want a completely uninformed, inexperienced opinion, there's always me.

I have a homemade Fender XII someone made..or approximated to be more accurate. that was made by someone who didn't try it on some scrap wood first. The flanges didn't fall in the hole but the shafts has thin shims around them because the holes were drilled just a hair off.

What I'd try is to drill the exact same size hole in scrap as in the body. (and if the same hardness or softness all the better), and then try tapping a ferrule in the hole with a small wooden mallet. With a relatively soft wood the ferrule might just make a tight fit. But I'm guessing that's the same principle behind the splined ferrules?

 

It can be done with a good sharp regular wood bit since you already have a pilot hole drilled. A bradpoint would also help you stay centered and give a good clean hole. I would recommend using a drill press and drilling the hole 1/64 smaller than the size of the outer diameter of the ferrule. Then tap it in place to seat it.

 

The hardest part is keeping the holes in alignment.

I found this guide block for $43 bucks. Drill the two 2 outside, drop the pins in, and then drill the rest. Using transfer punches help a lot too.

 

use a drill press?

 

Good suggestion. I saw that a week or so ago and thought it might be useful.

 

I found one on Reverb.

https://reverb.com/item/1008829-tel...-body-ferrule-installation-guide-luthier-tool

 

It will work with any drill bit (other than a step drill).
It is literally just a block that aids in keeping the drill bit perpendicular to the body, and helps to prevent wandering.
If the body has pre-drilled holes for the strings to pass through, drop the two pins into the end holes, slip the block over them, and drill the inner 4 holes to clear the ferrules.
Then move the pins to the #2 and #5 string holes and drill the outer two.

The two sides are stamped "T" and "S" for the wide and narrow spacing used on the Strat and Tele.

 

I had to enlarge the holes on a headstock of a Gretsch guitar to install new tuners and was concerned about making a mess of it. I ended up using a reamer to start and then a tap wrench with my drill bit, gently enlarging the hole by hand. I knew if I used a drill it would be a disaster. It turned out great.

 

Yes I do.

 

I had order mine with extra pins. The link @CB91710 is the vendor on Reverb where I purchased it.

Extra Pins: https://reverb.com/item/18698639-guide-pin-for-stratocaster-or-telecaster-ferrule-installation-guide

I just checked my guitar tool bin and did not see that it included instructions. I do not drill directly using the block. I use the proper sized transfer punch to make an indent and then use my drill press without the guide block.

Transfer punches. Really, really useful.

 

Dang... I b outta ferrules.

 

Forstner bit…in a drill press.

 

At your drill press, that is set up for woodworking...

install a 1/8" drill and drill a hole in the table of the drill press (yes, the drill press has a wooden table, cause it's been set up for woodworking) and put a 1/8" pin into the hole you just drilled. Let this index pin extend about 3/16" above the surface of the table. The chuck and drill are now centered perfectly above the index pin, don't touch anything!
Maybe I have a picture of this.

With out changing the set up, install the 5/16" drill. Use a brad point or forstner bit for a flat bottom hole. Provide enough room between the index pin and the bit to pass the body through side ways. Press the 1/8" hole on the front of the body on to the index pin. The 5/16" bit is now centered exactly over the 1/8" hole on the front of the body. Set drill to proper depth and drill away! Repeat five more times.