Cutting a 5-Way Switch Slot

by: Roosevelt Walker Jr.

5-Way switch slots are very easy to do once you know how. It's just a couple steps envolved. Just pay close attention to the measurements below.

The 5-way switch screws holes are 1-5/8" on center. The slot is 1-3/16" long. Lay this out on your guitar in the position you want the slot.

Set up your dremel tool with a cutting guide attachment and a 1/16" downward cutting bit as in the picture. Clamp a 8" piece of wood with a strait edge in position so your dremel bit moves along the slot line perfectly from one end to the other. Now take your time and cut the slot, only cutting down about 1/32" each pass. Use as many passes as necessary to cut through your top.

Clean up the slot with some 150 grit paper wrapped around a little precision rule.