Tuning Machine Holes Too Big

[Palo-Kai]

Am putting new tuning machines on an old, 70's Japanese 12 String. I notice that the holes in the headstock are bigger than the tuning machine spool. Strings pull the spool/cylinder against the ferrule/bushing and it becomes very difficult to turn the knobs.

Is there a fix for this? Please explain it to me.
Thanks

[BradHall]

By spool do you mean the post the string wraps around? Are you putting unmatched tuners into existing ferrules ? If you have a complete set of new tuners, one path would be to remove all existing parts and fill the hole with a glued in dowel. You can size a larger diameter dowel to fit with sandpaper. Chuck the dowel in a drill press or a hand drill.

[redir]

There is a fix for everything

Google up, 'spiral bushings' and you will see how violin and cello makers do it.

The holes can also be filled and re-drilled.

[Palo-Kai]

BradHall, thanks very much. This will work great.

[Palo-Kai]

redir thanks so much. Looked up spiral bushings and understand. Between this and filling the holes I will get my new tuning machines in this weekend.

[hubcapsc]

You can buy stainless steel tubing with almost any imaginable
inner and outer diameter. I once sleeved some tuner bushings.
If it is the size of the hole that's wrong for you, you could sleeve
that.



My idea is non-traditional, if you'd be good at plugging the hole
with a dowel and redrilling, that would count more as a "real"
or traditional fix...

-Mike

[Don Grimm]

StewMac sells bushings to adapt larger holes for smaller tuning posts and machines. Measure carefully.

https://www.stewmac.com/search/?q=tuner+bushings

[mirwa]

Originally Posted by Palo-Kai

Am putting new tuning machines on an old, 70's Japanese 12 String. I notice that the holes in the headstock are bigger than the tuning machine spool. Strings pull the spool/cylinder against the ferrule/bushing and it becomes very difficult to turn the knobs.

To retain the originality look to some machine head swaps, I will lathe up a new set of ferrules that fit the holes and the new machine heads, this eliminates the need for refinish work

The most common method is to sleeve the wood with a new piece of wood and drill the new hole, ideally the machine head and top cap will cover the insert

Steve