Apart from a Makita drill, a Dremel and a couple of chainsaws, everything I build is done with hand tools, mostly a few different saws and a Ferrier rasp. This isn't by choice, fwiw, I just don't have a lot of woodworking tools. If you were going to save up and buy one good power tool for building guitars what would it be? Bandsaw, tablesaw, planer or something else?
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Hi again, also keep in mind that some machines can do more than the job they are initially designed to do.
Take the drill press as an example. Mine can be adapted to do all of the following with the added jigs and accessories.
Drilling
Sanding
Thickness sander
Routing
Buffing
Thicknessing cigar box size tops backs and sides.
Spindle sander
Fret press
Cheers Taff
Since you already have a drill, Dremel, rasp, & hand saws, You should seriously consider a table saw (if you have the room). A table saw is indispensable for creating multiple necks from larger straight boards. Also makes scarf joints so much easier.
That's kind of what started me thinking about this. There was a table saw on Marketplace for $50, but it was already sold by the time I messaged the gal. But, that's why I wondered if there was something more useful before I continued my hunt.
Hi Justin,
Hands down the most indespensible power tool is the drill, and preferably a drill press.
I have built CBG'S using all hand tools, except for a drill. Even though I have a brace and bit, the power drill makes the job easier and more precise.
Just my half a cent.
Yeah, I would be lost if I had to use a brace and bit on a build. I've hung a lot of gates with those things over the years, and man, they're a lot of work!
My #1 is my bench-mounted belt/disk sander combo.
Yeah, I can see where that would be handy. Thanks!
Hi, for me...all of the above.Hahaha.
But seriously, when I started I made my table saw. made my thickness sander, made my planer/jointer, and bought a massive old bandsaw. That was for full-size guitars dulcimers and mandolins, not CBG's, back then.
It may depend on how much wood preparation you plan to do before assembly, and how you buy your timber.
I would say, for me, one good power tool is not enough. It would only enable one to do only part of the build cleanly, quickly, and accurately.
Taff
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Thanks for the advice. I took woodshop way back in school and over the years have used table and band saws, radial arm saws and the like on other people's construction projects, but I was always more comfortable with a torch and a welder than I was with wood working. Now, of course, I've got the CB bug and somehow I don't think I can use acetylene to shape a neck!