Threaded Inserts Installed Into Roasted Maple

[Bdam123]

I got a roasted maple neck coming my way and I want to install SS threaded inserts. I’ve done this before about 10 years ago on a regular maple neck and was successful but was just hoping to get some tips or general pitfalls to try to avoid when dealing with roasted maple.

Should I go from a small bit and work my way up to my target bit? Brand new sharp brad point would be ideal correct?

Should I tape over the pilots before drilling to mitigate chip out?

Who produces the highest quality inserts nowadays?

I also sold my little table top drill press years ago and I’m going to purchase a new one for this project. Do you guys have a recommendation on a table top unit that won’t break the bank? I got about 4-5 necks that I would like to eventually convert so I’m not against investing into something of relative quality.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[Strat Avenger]

You need a forstner bit. Drill it the right size the first time. Drilling in incremental sizes will cause chip-out.
Taping over the holes won't help anything.
Not sure why you want stainless steel. Brass might be better (with stainless screws). I got mine from McMaster Carr.

 

[Hagwood]

Since Strat Avenger gave great advice on the drilling and parts, I’ll pitch in some nice inexpensive drill presses. I’m usually a DeWalt guy, but for stuff I don’t use every day, the Wen stuff can’t be beat for the price. Have had great experiences with several of their pieces:


https://a.co/d/dA7kDiU

https://a.co/d/7gsQP3n

 

[Bdam123]

You need a forstner bit. Drill it the right size the first time. Drilling in incremental sizes will cause chip-out.
Taping over the holes won't help anything.
Not sure why you want stainless steel. Brass might be better (with stainless screws). I got mine from McMaster Carr.

To completely honest, the only reason why I'm opting for SS is because I watched a video on installing inserts and the dude said don't use brass because it sucks. In your opinion, why brass over SS?

 

[Strat Avenger]

To completely honest, the only reason why I'm opting for SS is because I watched a video on installing inserts and the dude said don't use brass because it sucks. In your opinion, why brass over SS?

Like metals can seize. Dissimilar metals don't.
I'd like to know how brass inserts "suck". I have 2 guitars with them and they work great.

 

[Bdam123]

Like metals can seize. Dissimilar metals don't.
I'd like to know how brass inserts "suck". I have 2 guitars with them and they work great.

Got it.

I don’t know, I just took someone’s opinion for face value because they made a video on the topic haha

 

[stratamania]

These posts are linked to from the Welcome to the Forum thread in my signature. But here they are directly.

Post in thread 'Oh, yes I did. (Neck choice complete, too.)'

Nov 23, 2016

Cagey, where do I obtain & how do I install "threaded inserts"??  This is contoured neck pocket.

I get the inserts, the machine screws and the installation tool for the inserts from McMaster-Carr, but that's not the only place you can get all that stuff. Basically, what you need to know is the inserts have an inside thread of 8-32, and they're (supposedly) self-tapping inserts. I say "supposedly" because it depends on what you're running them into. Necks are typically made of the harder hardwoods, which resist that sort of thing. You really want to tap the holes before...

• Cagey

• 

Post in thread 'Binding an L5S'

Aug 8, 2013

But wait! Mr. Neck ain't done being tortured into shape yet. Running wood screws into his heel just won't do; we want the ultimate sustainer and we need to make sure the neck will snap before the root ever lets go. So... threaded inserts are in order. Makes for a very tight neck joint - tighter than a standard bolt-on, and a LOT tighter than a glue-up.

No biggie. Just clamp the X/Y axis clampisizer onto the stage of the Drill Press of Doom...

And stay there until you get your mind right!​

...

• Cagey