JUST SAY NO! Better to fill holes than make more, depending on hole size and value of drum. Actually, I've cut 1" plugs out of some drum shells to use to repair another, so it's all relative. If it's a nice, vintage drum, I'd suggest that it's probably a better policy to try to repair first, before adding to any devaluation, but ultimately it's your drum, and your decision. :2Cents:

I honestly do appreciate what you're saying. If I were reading this, I'd probably have the same reaction... But this is really a players kit, and I'm just looking for advice on drilling.

It already has extra holes to begin with. I've weighed the pros and cons. This will never really be "collector" quality, nor do I really want it to be. I want to play and enjoy it.

That being said, I'd really appreciate advice on drilling.

Thanks!

DON'T DRILL!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Oh, wait a sec....

*reads post*

Okay, well, in that case, what I did when drilling a player's drum was to poke a hole with a pin in the wrap, then I started with a tiny drill bit to go through the wrap/shell, and I kept going larger and larger, little by little until I got to the desired size. I didn't want the wood on the inside to split, nor did I want the wrap to crack, so I took it really easy.

I haven't heard about the tape method to prevent the wrap from cracking. That's a good idea. I would have done that, just in case, had I known before I drilled. Who knows? Maybe I just got lucky that mine didn't crack.

Thanks for the advice! I wouldn't have thought to gradually increase size. I believe the idea behind tape was to prevent the wrap from burning or getting burn marks from the heat of the drill, but I could be wrong.

I've heard that you use a little oil and slow drill speeds to prevent heat build-up. Works with wraps as well as cymbals.

Cracks can spread, which is why you don't want to form them in the first place. If you "burn" the wrap a little, chances are it will be covered by whatever you are drilling the hole for. Cracks, however, can travel, especially when pressure is added to the wrap in the form of hardware being tightened to it.

As always, when drilling through wood, you should have another piece of wood on the inside of the shell. This to prevent the drill from damaging the inside of the shell when it comes out on the inside. It is easy to get small cracks and pieces of wood to come off on the inside otherwise.

As the shell is rounded, I have used a piece of masonite and a small piece of wood.

I took a picture to illustrate what I mean as it is a bit hard for me to explaine in english. -Sorry I only had a fiberglass shell that I used in the picture but I'm sure you get it...:o

/Johan M

Using the mounting screw/bolt has a guide, I choose a drill bit just a bit larger. I use brad-point bits of excellent quality and ALWAYS back the shell with another piece of wood to avoid splintering. Unless I'm drilling for large air vents, about 7/16" or 1/2", I've never felt compelled to use multiple bits and work my way up to the desired size. I've NEVER ruined wrap when using brad-point bits. And, yes, I will normally use blue painters tape to be able to layout the holes first.

Like you've said, there are already two holes and this is a player's kit. Whose to know that the Knobby wasn't factory installed?!! Best of luck with your project. Post pictures when it's complete!

Excellent!! Thank you all so much for the advice, it's all extremely helpful!!

I'll most likely give it a go tonight or tomorrow :)

-Pepe