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Looking for a recommended tools set list 1st build.

Recently decided to try my hand at building a CBG. I have a drill and plan on picking up a small workbench soon. I figured I'd put off neck building till down the road and so will most likely get a U-Finish neck from Delta Groove. Looking to make a real quality job CBG. What tools should I go out and buy? This would mostly be hand tools or small power tools as I'll be putting the CBG together in my small apt.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Titch the Clown on October 19, 2016 at 7:20am

Raid your kichen for good paring knives. I have bought Victorinox and Kiwi brand paring knives that I keep permanently in my workshop.

Check out my vid of using the Kiwi brand vegetable peeler as a spokeshave

https://youtu.be/hwpjJeD4_3M

Check out my instructable on making a ukulele with a pocket knife.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-ukulele-with-a-pocket-knife/

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Permalink Reply by Hal Robertson on October 19, 2016 at 7:29am

OMG!!! Digging for my peeler right now!

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Permalink Reply by Lane Martin on October 19, 2016 at 10:11am

"Check out my vid of using the Kiwi brand vegetable peeler as a spokeshave"

I knew I'd seen someone do that, but couldn't remember who. Thanks for the brain jog.

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Permalink Reply by Eliah Holiday on October 19, 2016 at 12:58pm

I have some drill bits. What sizes are good to have for CBG building?

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Permalink Reply by Hal Robertson on October 19, 2016 at 1:52pm

Kinda depends on what you're building, but I use 1/4" and 5/16" for tuner holes and bushings. 1/8" for string ferrules (pop rivets). For body sound holes, Forstner bits or hole saw bits work just fine. You could probably use a cheaper paddle bit if you're careful. Someone else might want to chime in on that.

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on October 19, 2016 at 5:58pm

I don't know about spade/paddle bits burning, it's not a thing i've come across over many years, a sharp edge and correct speed, and they are very useful, the only issue to me is tear-out, both start and finish, and that is pretty easy to overcome if you're aware, one thing very much in their favour is the simplicity of keeping them sharp, a couple of passes on a stone, or even a file, and they do a fine job

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Permalink Reply by Titch the Clown on October 20, 2016 at 12:08am

Spade bits and thin materials do not play well together. You will need to use a sacrificial backing piece to support the centering point to minimise chances of things going out of center, not quite pear shaped but definitely out of kilter.

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Permalink Reply by JL on October 20, 2016 at 1:41am

I have some drill bits. What sizes are good to have for CBG building?

that's why I recommend a drill bit index card.

For just volume/tone pots and the jack, pilot holes for screws, etc, a little tad oversize hole for pots and the jack is workable, and a small round file can be used if the hole is a tad tight. pilot screw holes can run a tad undersized and still get the job done. any kit with a handful of bits probably works.

For when you are ready to try tuners, look for something like a set that has 1/16 to 1/2 in 1/64 increments. Depending upon model/manufacture of the tuner as to what size hole you need for the shaft and/or collar and/or bushing and anchor screw(s). Tuners work best with holes that fit like a glove, no bending moment forces to wear out the gears wormscrew or spline or fatigue the anchor screw. They are not expensive if you look, I got a good set on sale for $21.