Hi, all.
I need to drill two 3/8" holes approximately 1" deep into a basswood electric guitar body.
The holes need to be PERFECTLY(!) located/positioned. They mount the bridge to the guitar body, and any mistake will render the instrument 'firewood.' I'll use a drill press, and clamp the workpiece firmly in place.
Basswood is considered a hardwood, but a "soft hardwood." I find it to be rigid and dry, and easy to work.
I read somewhere online that drilling a smaller-diameter pilot hole is actually counterproductive because, "then the 3/8" bit is not cutting wood from the center of the bit" or words to that effect. Apprently that might allow the bit to wander...
I hope that's not true. In this case I want to drill the smaller pilot hole all the way through. Why? Each 3/8" hole accepts a press-in threaded metal anchor that is splined. A relatively tight interference fit is the result. See attached photo. Drilling a smaller pilot hole all the way through the guitar body will make it possible to press that anchor OUT from below if or when I need to.
posts.jpg