Headstock Disaster

[Stringfellow]

Well....I received my new neck (it was beautiful), and was attempting to mount my Fender/Schaller machines to it by using a jig to drill the pairs of nub holes on the back of the headstock when; you guessed it, I went too deep and  ??? ???drilled clean through the neck on one of the nub holes.  I was (am) beside myself for having ruined my neck.  I believe that I will never attempt to do another build again.  Aside from creative ways to end my misery; anyone have any ideas as to how this disaster may be repaired if at all possible (and I don't believe it can)?

 

[Jusatele]

I assume from your post that you received the neck with a finish on it?

if so you will need a small bit of finishing supplies

but all is not lost, it is an easy fix

sand the area a bit, drill a 2x4 and fer some sawdust, mix it with wood glue and plug the front side of the hole (side you want to hide) let dry a few days and sand it down, now take a fine pen same shade as the wood grain and make it look like a natural knot.  let it dry again and refinish it.

Now if that makes you uncomfortable, bring it to a good tech, and see if he can do it or recommend someone. Either way all is not lost. It is not a hard fix.

Next time you go to drill, use some tape to mark how far you want to go into the wood, that way you know where to stop and do not do this again. All is not lost and you learned a great lesson on researching tool tips before doing something. The difference between a first timer and a professional is practice and knowledge, you just got some knowledge, practicing on some wood that is not the project is how you get practice

good luck and hope this helps.

 

[Stringfellow]

Hi Teletuby:

I really appreciate your response.  Since I posted initially, I drilled the rest of the nub/pin holes on the back of the headstock (using the jig) and they went without a hitch; only the one screw up.  Your words of encouragement meant a lot.  I am still in shock however.  You really think this is an easy fix......clearly, I'm no wood craftsman?  Your assumption that the neck was finished is correct.  It is a maple neck done in Vintage Gloss finish.  I'm thinking of sending it back to Warmoth to see if they would do it (I don't know of any luthiers around my neck of the woods. and I'm too freaked out to attempt a refinish.  I'd hate to mess up my already tainted neck more than I already have :help:  Your feedback is appreciated.

 

[hannaugh]

Do what the man said, and 95% of people will never even notice that something is different there.  I would say if you don't have a luthier in your area, you can probably find someone who works on furniture finishing or something like that who can do the same thing. 

Whenever I'm drilling those little tiny holes, I go real slow (sometimes I even use an old school hand crank drill because I happen to have one), and I always, always use a piece of tape on the drill bit as a depth marker. 

 

[reluctant-builder]

Jeez, that sucks. But it sounds like you got some sage advice. Keep calm and carry on.

 

[anorakDan]

The most painful lessons are the ones best remembered. Follow the above advice and you'll be fine.

One day, you'll look back on this and laugh.

No, really. You will!

 

[Cagey]

We're all laughing now, because we're nervous knowing that there but for the grace of God go I. But, as Dan says, you'll laugh later <grin>

 

[Nightclub Dwight]

Remember that beauty mark on Cindy Crawford's face?  On anyone else its known as a mole (my face has many of them.)  On a supermodel its known as a beauty mark.

You mentioned that your new neck was beautiful when it arrived.  It still is, you just gave it a little beauty mark.

Relax and let it go.  Its over.  You'll never make that mistake again.