I ordered some MOP fretmarkers size 7/32" (14/64") and also some Abalone fretmarkers size 15/64".
Will a 1/4" Forstner bit be a good choice to buy, or do I have to go dead on? Have never installed any before
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Hi Monteray, you probably have a solution by now but just in case you are still pondering, try and match the fret marker size, and there are collar sets you can buy cheaply for your bits as a depth stop, they fix around the bit with a small hex/allen grub screw, I agree with you not to go too deep and file off any access pertruding as a marker pushed in too deep means you have to then drill it out and replace it, possibly damaging the finger board. a drill press is the ideal though, doesnt have to be a new one or expensive. good luck
I recommend a drill press as well, do some practice holes in a piece of scrap hardwood, not pine, so you get the "feel" of it. Also I use a brad point but like this one so it will not wander at all.
If appearance is a priority, I suggest matching the bit to the inlay. Even with a steady hand, the bit can stray or wobble and result in an oblong or distorted hole. If you have a drill press, use it. And use a scrap piece of wood to get a feel for the depth. Too deep will be noticable. A bit shallow, you can lightly sand the inlay after glue is dry, to make it flush with the fretboard surface.
Monterey > Scott aka Farmer TedFebruary 20, 2015 at 8:20am
I will try to buy the exact size bits then- don't have a drill press, but I'm pretty straight with a drill. I'll practice on a scrap piece like you suggest- was going to drill a touch shallow, and file/sand markers down afterwards. Still have to finish the fretboard afterwards anyways-thank-you!
i just saw your note that you don't have a press, after I posted my comment, with a little creativity you can make a drill bit guide to use. It looks like a thread spool. You place it on the fretboard where you want your marker and use it as a guide to drill straight down through the hole in the center. The guide can be long enough so the drill chuck can hit it when you bottom out to prevent you from drilling too deep.
When I installed mine I bought 6mm abalone markers (I work in mm) and just used a 6mm Bosch drill bit. As long as you have a steady hand and try to hit the wood square on it should be fine. Just don't go too deep to start with. Even if you do go too deep you can always fill the hole a little bit. Not had any issues myself yet.
Replies
Hi Monteray, you probably have a solution by now but just in case you are still pondering, try and match the fret marker size, and there are collar sets you can buy cheaply for your bits as a depth stop, they fix around the bit with a small hex/allen grub screw, I agree with you not to go too deep and file off any access pertruding as a marker pushed in too deep means you have to then drill it out and replace it, possibly damaging the finger board. a drill press is the ideal though, doesnt have to be a new one or expensive. good luck
QGorden has said it all use a brad point and mark the depth with tape as a guide
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If appearance is a priority, I suggest matching the bit to the inlay. Even with a steady hand, the bit can stray or wobble and result in an oblong or distorted hole. If you have a drill press, use it. And use a scrap piece of wood to get a feel for the depth. Too deep will be noticable. A bit shallow, you can lightly sand the inlay after glue is dry, to make it flush with the fretboard surface.
When I installed mine I bought 6mm abalone markers (I work in mm) and just used a 6mm Bosch drill bit. As long as you have a steady hand and try to hit the wood square on it should be fine. Just don't go too deep to start with. Even if you do go too deep you can always fill the hole a little bit. Not had any issues myself yet.
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