I purchased a store demo Blueridge BR-40TCE tenor guitar for $280 about 6 weeks ago. A few scuffs and bumps, but still in good condition. I decided to try to convert it to an Octave Mandolin. It has a 23" scale length and 32mm nut (1&17/64").
http://www.sagamusic.com/products/pr...?item=BR-40TCE
Thanks to all of the great folks at the mandolincafe forum, I picked up some great tips on how to proceed.
Here is how it was in original state:
I removed the open back tuning machines and ferrules. One of the ferrules pulled off some of the finish with it.
I cut a piece of hardwood to match the headstock so that I could clamp to it, and also use it to help my drill bit from ripping the wood surface as it exited the headstock. I taped the headstock with blue painters tape and then taped the piece of wood to the face of the headstock. That way I would drill from the back of the headstock to make sure the holes are 90° where the new tuning machines would go in.
I used a $15 Taylor Toolworks Dowel Kit Jig to make sure I was drilling straight (I don't have a drill press)
http://smile.amazon.com/Drill-Guide-.../dp/B0181RB8M2
I started with the existing 5/16" holes. I lined it up using the 5/16" bushing using a 5/16" drill bit, and then clamped it to the headstock. Then I took the 5/16" bushing out and dropped in the 3/8" bushing. I used a 3/8" pilot bit to drill out the existing holes.
Then I measured and marked the locations for the new tuning machine holes and drilled those with a 3/8" brad point bit.
FYI - The tuning machines really call for a 10mm hole, and the holes that I enlarged using a 3/8" pilot bit, were a bit snug. The newly drilled holes using the 3/8" brad point bit were fine. If you have a kit that can accommodate a 10mm bit, use it.
More to follow in next post...
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