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Using a template with the center lines for the tuner key locations, pencil the center point of the holes onto the headstock. Next, set up the drill press with the recommended drill bit for the tuners recommend size. Make sure to use a brad point drill bit to get the cleanest cut at the top face and back of the hole. Next, we need to have a backing plate of wood to put behind the headstock so the drill bit does not tear out the grain on the back side of the headstock. After all holes are drilled, block sand top and back with 150 grit 3M sanding paper.

The next step is adding the radius to the fretboard. We need to use the drum sander to bring the neck down to the desired thickness. I use 1 inch from the back of the neck to the top of the fretboard. Now we will need plenty of chalk, in a variety of color. The reason for this is my use of multiple colors of fretboard also neck materials. Chalk is applied after every pass on in the sanding and machining process so you can never have enough. a radius gauge and a belt sander. Start by carefully removing wood from both sides of the fretboard and check the surface the radius gauge often. Apply more chalk on the fretboard as the belt sender removes the wood. Rock the neck back and forth over the belt sander trying to keep from removing the wood at the centerline. Using the radius block and 60 grit paper, bring the radius to match the radius template. When matching the radius, use a sanding pad approximately 3/8ths thick in your palm and rub 80 grit up and down the fretboard till smooth.