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   Hello all. I remember reading somewhere that 10 mm seems to be the accepted sized hole for Schaller tuner. I tested on some scrap and I found that they didn't fit as snuggly as I would like. Am I just being paranoid? So, what are you guys using?
Thanks in advance.

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

What kind of Schallers?

I installed a set of gold Schaller tuners standard kind, enclosed gear, but remember no problem, even though I probably used a 3/8" bit to drill the hole.

It sounds you are big, not small, at the hole. What do the instructions say if there are any?

When I use Grovers, I usually have to use the tapered reamer to bring it up to size. You are right, a tight fit is preferred.

I've plugged holes before and done minute redrills to get them in perfect alignment. I suppose you could do that but it's probably fine, just like they are, especially if they have the top compression nut mounting. Push in bushings? I'm not sure.Dickey38735.5221527778

I use 10mm for pretty much everything; a tiny, tiny amount of overspray/finish in the holes, and you still need to ream out to get them to press-fit snugly.

IIRC Gotoh and Schallers both are spec'd for 10mm holes, and I've only ever had snug fits (post finishing) drilling @ 10mm.

   The tuners are gold Schallers for Steel String, with ebony buttons, not that that matters to the size of the hole (the buttons, I mean)
   I never got any instructions with them but I read on LMI that they recommend a 10mm or a 3/8 hole.
   I'll try again with a 3/8 tonight. The 10mm seems just a bit too big for my liking, although like you said Bruce, they do have the top compression nut mounting doo-hickey... Thanks

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

I have had the same experience. I just tested a bunch of different bits and used the one where I got a gently snug fit. (of course I don't remember what size it was... sorry).

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Alain,
I just installed Schallers on my first build posted last week. I drilled 10mm holes and it fit nicely. Did you use brad point bit or twist bit? My regular twist bit drills a hole slightly larger than the brad point.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Ron, I used a Lee Valley HSS 10 mil. lipped brad point. It works beautifuly, as any 15$ (CAD) bit should, I guess. I think they're pretty anal when it comes to tolerances (size wise) as well.
Although now that I think about it, I did try that with a hand drill. I thought I was drilling straight without wavering. Maybe I was moving about some, which caused me to oversize the hole.
I'll try again tonight on the drill press. Thanks guys!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

I use a 25/64" bit, its slightly smaller than 10mm and slightly bigger than 3/8" (which requires reaming doesn't it). The 25/64" bit gives a nice snug fit on Schallers.

Here is the technical drawing of the schallers off Stew-Mac's site.



Note the diameter of the post. 0.390" The 25/64" bit is the closest natural hole you can drill to match.Rod True38735.6461226852

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... Right-on Rod!
25/64 th's it is then. Thanks for taking the time to present your case so unerringly...

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

When things aren't fitting properly, the first thing you should do is measure. In fact, you should do this first on scrap before messing up a workpiece. Using calipers (vernier, dial, digital), measure your bit diameter, the diameter of the hole it drills, and the diameter of whatever you're trying to fit into the hole. If the bit and your insert match, then the problem is either your technique or runout in your drill.