I understand you need to take caution when drilling into the roasted woods. What kind of "caution" are we talking about?

[ThisIsHuhWow404]

My current build on order is a roasted alder body that I need to direct mount the pickups in. My next build I’m specing out is going to have a roasted maple neck I need to install string trees on, and possibly a roasted swamp ash body I’ll need to drill the pickguard into.

I know the roasted maple you need to be extra super careful with when drilling the pilot holes and driving the screws, but I’m not sure what "being extra super careful" actually means. What other precautions do I need to take?

Does this also apply to roasted alder and roasted swamp ash or is there just something about the lack of moisture in roasted maple specifically that makes it more prone to splitting?

 

[burst]

Hello - I can't say that I take any extra precaution with drilling or driving screws into roasted maple or other splinter prone woods other than usual best practices. Will you be using a handheld drill or a drill press?

 

[Rick]

Indeed, just treat it like regular wood, and drill a pilot hole that is the right size for your screw. Be just as careful with roasted wood as you would with non-roasted. I make a little mark with a tiny nail punch, just enough so that the bit doesn't skitter. There's a "the Aaron" video on how to figure out the correct size drill bit, putting on tape if there's a finish and so forth ... see Warmoth's Youtube channel. I use a hand drill, never had a problem.

Also, I always buy a fresh bit before drilling into a guitar, nice and sharp. Using the right bit.

And ... if your worried about your drilling skills (and even if you're not) when it comes to tuners ... hipshot makes some handsome tuners if you aren't interested in drilling. I put them on all my projects. Look for the tuners with the ump plate. The tuning buttons can be swapped out for plastic and other shapes, so plenty of options.