4.Insert a 5⁄32" drill bit into each neck hole (Figure 10). While pressing down slightly, twist the drill bit by hand to make pilot holes n the neck.
Figure 10. Making a pilot hole in the neck.
5.Unclamp the neck from the body.
To determine neck mounting hole depth:
1.Secure the 5⁄32" drill bit in the drill press chuck, raise the table, and set the neck, fretboard- down, on top of a clean piece of scrap wood on the table.
2.Set the drill press depth stop so the tip of the bit will ONLY drive half way through the neck.
Note: Correctly set the depth stop or the bit may drill through the fretboard!
Another way to determine neck mounting hole depth (Optional):
1.Insert the neck into the neck pocket.
2.Place the neckplate on top of the body so a mounting hole protrudes beyond the body and neck (see Figure 11).
3.Insert a 5 x 45mm screw through the plate so it hangs down to the side of the neck and body.
4.Gently mark the screw tip depth with a pen- cil.
Note: You may want to cover the screw tip marking location with masking tape to avoid scratching the finish.
H8070 Heirloom
Figure 11. Using screw tip depth to set depth
stop.
5.Set the neck fretboard face down on the drill press table, and set the depth stop to the mark from Step 4.
To drill mounting holes in the neck:
1.Lower the 5⁄32" drill bit over the center of the pilot holes and drill the holes to the correct depth.
To mount the neck to the body:
1.Insert the neck into the neck pocket, and place the neckplate on the body.
Note: Do not glue the neck to the body.
2.Align the mounting holes in the neck and body and neckplate.
3.Fasten the four 5 x 45mm screws, but do not final tighten them (Figure 12).