How I make side rails - Video clips

[Les Ford]

I have posted a playlist with a couple of clips showing how I made the side rails for my new guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... PEZKSruE50

[J D Sauser]

yes, drill bits are primitive tools, anything but precise.
end mills are much more precise and in aluminum will remain constant long enough to have a predictable repeating result.

The set-pin at the beginning of the operation is of utmost importance.

Thanks for sharing. I believe that machining videos are important here. Especially now that the younger generations may not have access to trade schools.

Thanks!... J-D.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Drill bits are a primitive tool for precision work.
Milling cutters are very accurate. If no mill machine.
If you want a precision holes, Use a fractional, number or letter drill, Just a few thousands under size. Then ream the hole with proper size reamer.

[John Hyland]

If you were drilling holes into both legs of an angle how would aligning the two set of holes typically be done.

[Les Ford]

I'm not sure what you mean there John. I mill and drill the angled holes for the legs into the end plates using a 10 degree wedge that I cut from an aluminum billet.

[John Hyland]

I mean a literal angle extrusion. Drill at 90deg to an angle leg. Remove from vice, and realign to drill into the other leg of the angle. Holes on both legs to align.
Nice tip though Les