Basic tools

[wokkaboy]

Hi Peter, good questions.
Think Gavmiester wrote a thread about 2-3 years ago about tools required at different levels.
The fret ruler and rocker seem pretty cheap and well priced, if you think you will build more than one kit (this is very likely !) it will be worth the purchase.
The most basic tools you will need are phillips screwdriver set, drill and drill bits, sandpaper and sanding block.
You can make a straight edge sanding beam out of a long spirit level and glue sandpaper to that for levelling frets, there is sticky sandpaper available.
Then there are other power tools to make the job easier orbital sanders are handy.
To cut the headstock shape a coping saw and files (you can get away with sandpaper) are required. An electric jigsaw will make it easier.

What kit have you got in mind ? most first kit builders manage fine with a set neck kit.

NOTE Peter this is all the tools from memory, I have probably missed some

[peterh]

Thanks Wokka,
I'll have a look for that article. thanks for the tip about the level, too.
To be honest, I'm struggling on deciding which kit to go with, for a number of reasons. There are several kits that would do me quite well for jazz and some blues - tele, LP, 335 and most certainly would be more guitar than I can handle given my beginner abilities (starting lessons this week). I have enough power tools (orb sanders, routers, drills, etc.) and lots of hand tools from larger woodworking projects, so I'm just trying to get a handle on guitar specific tools I might need. It's quite likely I might do more than one kit simply because I can't decide. As a forester by training, I love the wonderful maple grains that I'm seeing on the LP kits.... but musically I think the ES-1 or maybe the ES-2 might be more what I'm looking for..... but logically the TL-1 would be a good simple kit to start with.
Dang it all, shipping is cheaper for multiple kits too. I'll just keep over analyzing things for a couple more days i guess.

cheers,
Peter.

[Darren]

Hi Peter, good questions.
Think Gavmiester wrote a thread about 2-3 years ago about tools required at different levels.

Think that might be this one: How to build your Pit Bull Electric guitar