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Tools to buy for first attempt at a build

I am thinking about trying to building my first cbg ( I have several bought from others). I really don't "build" anything and I know I have no tools to do even a simple build. Wanting to do an electric with a humbucker like my others and wonder what tools would make life easier. Figuring a solder iron, drill bits, some sort of sander and maybe some sort of thing to cut frets or at least mark the location. Any tips on what is needed (or recommended) toolwise are much appreciated. Many Thanks! John

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Permalink Reply by Malcolm Haines on July 25, 2011 at 2:32pm

I made my first cbg with a penknife with a saw blade in it. It looks like it was made that way too. Love it.

Since then my tools have multiplied both in number and form. One thing that I can really recommend is a fret saw. These have so many uses and are so flexible. Not many around this way. I was lucky to find one with 12 different blades and a set of fret diagrams for violin bridges...heaven. If you can't get a fret saw, a coping saw would substitute for most jobs.

Lastly, a hammer - just for the fact that every bloke needs a hammer :-)

peace

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on July 25, 2011 at 4:15pm

True, the hammer is good for finishing off botched projects.........................

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Permalink Reply by colin mcgrath on July 25, 2011 at 4:46pm

Just to add that I use my dremel for shaping any bone I use, I.E. saddle, nut.

FretMonkey said:

It's hand held rotary tool with a bunch of little useful parts. It has a grinder piece. I used the grinder to grind off the end of the bolt I used for my nut. My son also used the cutting wheel (similar to the grinding wheel) to cut a custom shape (soundhole) on the top of his guitar. It has little sandpaper drums that I used to remove a lot of wood (i.e. when I was removing wood for the headstock and when I was rounding the back of the neck etc. The little sandpaper drums come in different sizes and are good for either sanding a larger area or cleaning up tighter areas. It has wood carving pieces and routing pieces that I didn't explore on this build but that would be could for a more ornate build. It also has many different cutting pieces to cut ceramic, plastic, wood, rubber, metal etc. It has different brush attachments for polishing and cleaning up different types of surfaces as well.

I hope that helps :)

John Stevenson said:

Stupid question, but what do you use the Dremel for? Not real familiar with what they do. Thanks, JOhn

FretMonkey said:
I just completed my first build and I used a lot of really basic hand tools. A couple of days in I bought a dremel and that thing is awesome! Not necessary but I think it was the best thing I bought for this project. It really made a lot of things easier and quicker - a very handy tool. Luxury item I guess - but it gets my vote :) Peace and good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Craig Cox on July 25, 2011 at 4:58pm

Yep, a dremel kit would be a good addition. I look at one every time I go to Home Depot. Dozens of bits and attachments to do all kinds of jobs. You wouldn't go wrong getting one.