Official Luthiers Forum!

In setting up my most recent guitar. I got crack lines down the headstock
veneer when pressing in the bushings. It seems to be just on the finish or
maybe into the veneer, but not the mahogany neck. The holes were drilled
properlly for the waverly tuners. (1/4 and 11/32 holes) The finish was
removed from the holes and the bushings pressed in without any problem.
My finish is urethane. Any suggestions on how to repair the crack lines and
smooth out the finish?
Andy

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Hey Andy, any chance of a photo on this one?

I will send you one tonight
Andy

_________________
Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

I sometimes wonder if a tiny neoprene o'ring under the bushing head would prevent this sort of thing? Seems like it would prevent contact or at least cushion the load between the metal and the finish.
I realize that wouldn't solve your current issue, Andy.
Thanks
Nelson

Don't have a ready fix for you, but I have always chamfered the holes on the peghead face, before finishing, when using press in bushings. It is only a slight chamfer but it removes that edge on the top of the hole so that none of the bushing puts pressure on the finish/veneer as it is pressed into position. Use the same chamfer tool to remove any of the finish that may roll over into the bevel before the bushing goes in as an added precaution.

These hairline cracks usually go with the grain. Tape off next to each side of the crack. Use thin viscosity CA glue and apply it with a dental pick or other pointed object. It will seal and level the crack. Then use 1000 grit paper to sand the area and then buff back to a high gloss.
The tuner holes are prone to moisture getting in under the finish through the end grain when you wet sand. I recommend dry sanding this area or using mimimal amount of water when wet sanding.

You're right Robbie...wet sanding around the tuner holes can cause finish problems. I learned that the hard way once.
My rememdy for lacquer (finish) buildup in the edge of the tuner holes is to use a rolled up piece of sandpaper and roll it through the hole. If you use patience and test the bushing regularly while sanding..you'll get a nice snug fit that presses in without any pressure.

One of the things people like about urethane finish is that you don't have to wet sand it. Are you sanding dry or wet sanding Andy?Addam Stark38702.0337847222

I wet sand necks with mineral spirits (on lacquer) as I too had the odd tuner hole blush and lift. Solved the problem

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"