Hey yall,
My wife and I have just bought a house, and will no longer be living in apartments with grumpy neighbors! I'm really excited that I've already got a workbench here... But there are no tools!
My very first project will be my first CBG build. I've been reading around on the forums and know that there are some basic tools I'll need for the woodworking and finishing involved - a drill, sandpaper, and so forth.
Having just taken on a large debt, there isn't a lot of money to go and buy one of everything that the hardware store has in stock. What multi-tool have you found to be the most useful and versatile for working with CBGs?
Aside from multipurpose tools, is there anything that one may not initially think to get that has turned out to be the best tool in the box?
Has anyone found a golden hammer?
Thanks!
Replies
First, there is no such thing as having too many clamps. Ever! I don't care how many clamps you have - you need more. What kind of clamps? All kinds of clamps. I'm 52 years old, been doing woodwork in one form or another for over 35 years, and I still need more clamps.
If it were me, just starting to collect the tools needed to get started, I'd gather this list:
Tape Measure
Aluminum Yardstick
Try Square (6" - 8")
Japanese Flush Cut Saw
Drill with bits ranging from 1/16" up to 3/8" - you can buy larger bits as you need them
Utility knife and extra blades
Coping Saw with extra blades
Quick Grip Clamps - at least 2 - get more as you need them, and you WILL need them
Flat File - I prefer single cut on one side and double cut on the other side
Sanding Block
Flat Tip and Phillips Head Screwdrivers
That kit should get you started. You'll need other things, of course, like glue, sandpaper, masking tape, finishing supplies, etc... Basically you'll need to be able to cut a neck to length, notch a box to fit the neck, drill holes for the tuning heads, strings, and sound holes, then attach the box to the neck. Shaping the neck can be as minimalist or as complex as you want to make it. My first build was literally made at my kitchen table with the tools that came in a little household tool kit I got at the big blue box store. (Okay, I cheated and cut the neck to length with my miter saw, but still...) I didn't "shape" the neck at all - I just sanded the corners smooth so I didn't pick up a splinter when playing it.
As you build more (and you WILL want to build more,) you'll discover what works for you and what doesn't. You'll figure out which tool purchase would make things easier or give you a better finished product. Expand as you wish, but do know that you certainly DON'T have to run out and blow the kids' college fund on an expensive collection of tools. The great thing about this hobby is that it's as simple or as complex as you want to make it.
SothoSounds are great people..check their music on YouTube. I had go at making one like this, deliberately just using a knife and a hammer, no files, sandpaper etc. (I did cheat and used an electric drill for the holes)..it's a good excercise in back to basics..carving the pegs with a Stanley Knife was the most difficult bit.
Great vid John, pretty humbling isn't it.
Check this for minimal tools..a can-opener or tinsnips, a knife, a rock (or a hammer..or pliers..just something hard and heavy) and fire..
Like most here I started with a saw and drill and that's about it. Before I bought clamps I would just balance something heavy on the guitar while it glued overnight lol. As I've advanced I've added a few tools to make it quicker but I'm not going mad. I only just got a Dremel and recently bought one of the Black and Decker Mouse sanders so not spending much. Most of my work is still just hand tools, chisels, hammer, saw, small pointed saw for cutting sound holes etc. Couldn't be without clamps now right enough.
As for rounding the back sides of necks, a good crooked knife would do nicely. You can make your own for a few hours work and under ten bucks, plus, when using the tool, there is no need for a vice, clamps, or a workbench. Your feet serve as all three. Do a search, its an inexpensive tool that works great. There are a handful of us still making them, but it's so simple to make your own. Plus, it's really really cool to tell someone "I made this guitar using tools that I also made"
The only two power tools that I use are a table saw and a hand drill. Actually, I could do without the hand drill, but my bit and brace puts out so much torque that I fear destroying box tops when making sound holes. Table saw is used for cutting neck stock. I walked into a sweetheart deal on craigslist a while back and have a very large supply of hard maple for neck material. Trust me, you don't want to be ripping that stuff by hand. As for other tools, school yourself on what quality tools look and feel like and then start haunting craigslist and flea markets. Knowing how to refurbish and sharpen is critical if you go this route, learn how to put an edge on your tools, and learn when to walk away. My best finds were not the shiny ones at big blue or orange, but the rusty grungy ones that need a little work. I picked up a number eight jointer plane at a flea market for ten bucks, two hours work on the sole, two more on the iron, and I have a plane that will surface any board I want. I have a power planer, but its limited to 12 inches. I can do any board I have the strength to deal with using that beast, and faster. I would say, be creative, be patient, and learn how to truly listen to people when you ask questions. I have come across some of my best deals by simply spending time listening to people and picking up on what they are telling me.
All the tools that have been listed are important.The one power tool that has proven invaluable to me, has been a router fixed to a table. A 1/2 inch straight bit and a few homemade jigs can acomplish a wide range of tasks, even a poor mans jointer.My first router was a Christmas gift.My second was a garage find for 20 bucks.I now own 5 of them. There's your golden hammer.
Three power tools I can not do without (or don't want to) Drill, palm sander, jigsaw. Those and some clamps are used on every build I have ever done.
Three power tools I can not do without (or don't want to) Drill, palm sander, jigsaw. Those and some clamps are used on every build I have ever done.
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