StewMac Fretboard Side Dot Drilling System
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StewMac Side Dot Drilling System
A Real Solution to a Deceptively Frustrating Problem
If you've ever built a guitar (or twenty), you know drilling side dot markers is surprisingly trickier than it looks. The human eye is incredibly good at spotting the one dot that's just a little out of line. It's a small detail, but one that can instantly catch your attention and distract from an otherwise beautiful build.
Over the years, builders have come up with all kinds of tricks to improve consistency. Some measure up from the bottom of the fingerboard. Others rely on drill press fences or one-at-a-time locator jigs. Each method works... until it doesn't. A slight setup error or a little drill bit deflection is all it takes to throw one dot just enough to notice.
Building a Better System
The StewMac Fretboard Side Dot Template takes a completely different approach. Instead of locating and drilling each dot individually, the neck (or an unattached fingerboard) is securely held in place with Destaco clamps while a precision template establishes the location of every side dot before you ever pick up the drill. Add a drill stop collar and every hole is drilled to the same depth, perfectly aligned, one after another.
The result is faster setup, greater consistency, and side dots that look like they came from a world-class production shop.
Why This System Works
Unlike fixed jigs, this system puts YOU in control. Want your side dots centered on the fingerboard? Want them centered where the fingerboard meets the neck? You decide.
Once the template is positioned and clamped in place, every hole references the same master template, virtually eliminating cumulative layout errors and keeping every marker perfectly in line.
The Details Matter
The best guitars are rarely defined by one spectacular detail. They're defined by hundreds of small details executed exceptionally well.
Perfectly aligned side dots may seem like a small thing, but they're one of those subtle touches that quietly communicate craftsmanship and quality every time someone picks up the instrument.
Choose the Template You Need
The jig and templates are sold separately so you can configure the system for the instruments you build.
Template Sizes
All are for 3/32" diameter side dot inlays except where noted.
- 24" Scale Length
- 24.625" Scale Length
- 24.75" Scale Length
- 25" Scale Length
- 25.34" Scale Length* with 1/16" dia. inlay holes
- 25.5" Scale Length
- Blank Template for custom layouts
