How do I drill wood without splitting a lacquer/varnish surface?

I'm drilling into guitar bodies that are lacquer and varnish finished. Just want to know of any techniques that will allow me to drill the wood without splitting or cracking the finish.


Many thanks for answers in advance.


PGHow do I drill wood without splitting a lacquer/varnish surface?
First of all, I would be very carful of drilling into a guitar body . If its an acustic guitar you could turn it into a piece of junk very quickly. If you are a guitar player then you know that acustic guitars rely on body shape, internal ribbing and wood type to produce thier sound. altering that could could destroy an otherwise nice guitar. Secondly I would agree with everyone else. Use a scratch awl or a small nail to make ';dimple'; for your starting bit to rest in. Pilot point bits , even quality ones can ';walk'; on you if you are not carful. Then work your way up to the finished size . Use 1/32 inch increments if you can. Even an increase of an 1/8 of an inch can shatter the edge of the preceding hole. Use a variable speed dril and go very slow! Dont let the drill do the work! If you go to fast and the drill takes over you could end up driving the jaws of the chuck into the finish causing some nasty damage. Make sure the guitar is in a good position and is held fast so that it cannot move while you are drilling . Lastly, I wouldnt use tape. You want to be able to see whats happening at the point of the drill bit where it contacts the guitar. I have drilled into many clear finishes and they seem to have a mind of thier own. If they want to crack , they will. If the area is taped you wont know whats happening until the crack ';spider webs'; and its too late.How do I drill wood without splitting a lacquer/varnish surface?
I agree with the masking tape. Also you should get some wood Drills the cut so much cleaner than metal drills and have a small point so the do not walk or wobble like a metal drill.
Use a ';Brad Point'; drill bit. These bits cut from the outside of the hole, not the center. This will eliminate any chipping. Brad Point bits can be purchased at any wood working store.
use tape; masking tape, put a criss cross of the tape at the spot where you are going to drill, then drill right in the center.





also, believe it or not, if you put just a very small touch of vaseline on the spot under the tape that also helps.





good luck
Use tape (masking or painters tape) pilot drill, start very small and work your way up to final size.
try placing a piece of masking tape over drill hole site..then drill a low speed if possible
Tape will definitely help. You delicate touch and not much pressure will help as well. If you can do not start with the exact size bit you need, start lower ans increase the size of bit until you get the hole yo need. Good Luck