How to Drill Fretboard Side Dots

Drilling side dots accurately requires a reliable way to hold the workpiece and guide the bit. In this article, we’ll show how to drill side dot holes in a guitar neck or fretboard using the Fretboard Side Dot Drill Jig.

This jig is best suited to necks with a flat peghead and a tapered fretboard, such as those commonly found on Fender®-style guitars. It also works with tapered slotted fingerboards before they are glued to the neck.

The jig secures the neck or fretboard via toggle clamps. Acrylic templates align with the fret slots, ensuring proper drilling positions. The templates are available for several scale lengths to match your build.

Once everything is aligned and secured, drilling clean, consistent side dot holes is quick and repeatable.