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 Post subject: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 9:53 pm 
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I have a nice Gibby LP knock-off that needs the selector switch replaced as the switch tip broke off in transit to me.

I managed to stumble upon a great deal for a Switchcraft selector switch from a 56 RI Les Paul. But of course, the threaded part of the Switchcraft shaft is too short.

What would be the best tool to use to drill out part of the body so I can get the Switchcraft installed?

Pics to follow ....


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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 9:56 pm 
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The two switches

Image

The inside of the cavity

Image

The exterior, sans switch

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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 9:58 pm 
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And dang, wouldn't you know it, I'm about a 1/2 inch too short. :cry:

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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 10:09 pm 
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Joined: March 10th, 2008, 7:00 pm
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Location: Seattle, WA USA
before taking a Forstner bit in a drill press to your cavity, I'd check to see if either of these switches fit your needs

Image
http://www.allparts.com/Korean-Toggle-S ... 66-000.htm


Image
http://www.allparts.com/Korean-Toggle-S ... 66-003.htm

both of these look to be similar to your original toggle, and they also appear to have longer mounting threads

all the best,

R

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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 10:27 pm 
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Hi Rod,
thanks for the quick reply! That second switch looks like it'd work fine, but I kinda have my heart set on using the switchcraft if I can ... I've got the rest of the 56 RI electronics. CTS pots, bumblebee caps etc.
I know there's some drilling to be done, but I don't have an issue with doing that.


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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 10:28 pm 
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here's a couple more pics while we're at it ....

Image


Image


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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 11th, 2011, 10:37 pm 
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Location: Seattle, WA USA
you have access to a drillpress?

you'd need to shim the body so you can clamp it to the bed plate, and then use a Forstner bit to remove some of the thickness from inside of the cavity. I'd leave at least 3/16" of wood (1/4" is better if you can swing it and still fit the nut onto the threads)

your other, and possibly more dangerous, alternative would be to secure the body and then use a router plus long template bit to route the cavity deeper

Image

either approach can work if you have the tools/skill to do it. a good luthier could have this done in under 30 minutes of touch time (maybe worth it if you don't have the tools and don't want to risk it yourself)

all the best,

R

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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 12th, 2011, 1:43 pm 
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My neighbor has every tool known to man. And judging by the looks of it, a few that are unknown as well.

However after talking with him, it's not a project he wants to tackle so I went ahead and ordered the OEM Korean switch. What a bummer!!!!! it's not really worth the time, effort and $$$ to have my local luthier do the work. By local, I mean he's 35 miles from my house.


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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 13th, 2011, 9:26 pm 
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Location: Seattle, WA USA
if you were closer we'd already have this simple done ... but it's not worth the expense to ship it r/t to do this.

have you asked the guys at the Bass Place what their tech would charge you to make the mod?

all the best,

R

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 Post subject: Re: Installing a selector switch
PostPosted: April 14th, 2011, 7:52 am 
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The Bass Place used to be very conveniently located about a mile from where I work. Last year they moved clear across town to Glendale, about an hour drive from my workplace, so it's not worth the time and money to ask them about it.
No big deal anyways, the Korea replacement switch ought to be here today or tomorrow.


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