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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on September 1, 2014 at 5:04am

This article has instructions on how to build basic cigar box guitar and also a list of tools:

http://cigarboxguitars.com/resources/how-to-build-a-cigar-box-guitar

I would also add a Phillips screwdriver to the list.

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Permalink Reply by CBG Nico on September 1, 2014 at 5:34am

Thank you very much. :-)

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Permalink Reply by James Huey on September 1, 2014 at 4:09pm

I am new, too, but I have already found that a small chisel comes in handy, as does a Japanese pull saw, coping saw, a good pencil,  Swanson yardstick, ruler, small T-square, punch or awl, scribe, some collected saw dust to use with super glue to hide any nicks or divits in the wood or to repair a nut, all the electrical components to electrify a CBG, a Dremel tool with sanding drums and various cut-off wheels, a fret scale marker of different sizes and just about anything that you can add to make the CBG unique in appearance on the soundboard and such. A wood buring tool is also neat to have for design work. You can likely get by without all of these items, but each serves a purpose and is certainly useful as you learn how to use them all. I found that the initial cost of making a CBG is higher than any other time, as your putting together a shop of tools to make it all easier. If you have any of this stuff, then all the better, but most of the above I had to go out an purchase, as I had long since gotten rid of most of my shop tools. Believe me, most of these items are only a start to what you may end up adding over time, depending upon how deep you get into making these things. Check out local swap meets, thrift stores and pawn shops for various tools and items that can be of use to you. Get onto YouTube and check out the various methods shared there for a CBG build. Visit the sites linked here and purchase a video or book on CBG builds. I enjoy Gittyman's video, myself as far as a basic how to video book. Lots of them out there to choose from though. There are never enough tools in a shop, I believe, even the ones I swore I'd never use ended up being the very ones that have com ein handy so far for my CBG build.  There are likely many tools I left out and some are very likely so overly simplistic that I just tend to gloss over them. Good luck in what you add to your toolbox.

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Permalink Reply by CBG Nico on September 2, 2014 at 8:33am

Thank you very much, James. It's nice to have your opinion. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by wormil on September 3, 2014 at 5:41am

Harbor Freight's $8 pull saw is the exact thickness you need for fret slots, does a nice job, and is much cheaper than a fret saw.

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Permalink Reply by George McLeod on September 3, 2014 at 6:47am

Your English is better than most.  Keep up the good work!

I'm not sure you know what you are getting into as I have been collecting my tools for over 40 years.  Solid woodworking skills and knowing your way around a shop are an absolute must to produce an over-the-top piece of work.  I suggest you buy the book "Handmade Musical Instruments" by Mike Orr as it is an excellent reference guide.

The following is what I use most.

10" Table Saw with a fine tooth blade and a sanding disk

Small Drill Press

Power Drill

Drill Set 1/16" to 3/8"

Sanding Block

Sand Paper 80, 100, 220, 320 grits

Screw Drivers, slot, #6 & #8 Robertson

Screw Drivers, Philips (real) small, medium & large

Set Square

Center Punch

Scribe

Small Hammer 

Small Block Plane

Jig Saw

Pencil

Good Luck with your 1st build.

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Permalink Reply by James Huey on September 3, 2014 at 8:19am

King's X.... No one mentioned a vise. I use mine all the time and for a ton of other projects besides just the CBG.

 

Next.....

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Permalink Reply by CBG Nico on September 3, 2014 at 8:52am

Thank you. I keep all yours advices. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on September 3, 2014 at 9:20am

I started off with a few of my Dad's old hand tools and a few of my own, after I started building to sell some important machine tools became necessary..!

 

for cutting and dressing the neck:

electric band saw

home made thickness gauges and templates, glue spreader

hack saw

set square

electric drill also used mounted on upright drill stand

6mm and 3mm drill bits

forstner bit

small hammer

rat tail file

round file

sanding block with medium and  wet and dry paper

electric sander

electric linisher with upright sanding wheel

electric file

flat and half round hand files

bradawl

sharp pencil

tape measure

bench vice

 

for fretting:

fret position template

plastic hammer

junior hacksaw

sharp pencil

set square

wire cutters

large flat file with handle removed from tang

flat needle file

 

for the box:

hot glue gun

home made measuring blocks/ templates

22mm hole cutter

fret saw

bradawl

soldering irons

9mm drill bit

1.5mm drill bit

dremel sanding wheel

Phillips screw driver

pliers

string winder

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by jeff weins on September 3, 2014 at 9:33am

What they said

I love my Nobex Proman Miter Saw

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/nobex-proman-miter-saw.aspx

and a hand held router makes short work of notching out necks saves wear and tear on the old joints

did a few with chisel and rasp, like the router better

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on September 3, 2014 at 2:52pm

I'm just glad to see you no longer have any stools in your box...>:-E

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Permalink Reply by James Huey on September 3, 2014 at 3:32pm

Nobody has mentioned a can of Fabreeze to remove the odor of those stools in that tool box, either.  :-)

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