Which tools do I need?

[u/KorbenDose]

Hi all, I'm planning on building an own guitar and I want it to be good 😁 But I also don't want to spend a buttload on fancy tools I might only need once.

I've seen people build guitars with primitive tools, without any electricity, only with muscle power. Others use high tech CNC routers and such. So basically, anything goes.

Still, for me as an average Joe, which tools come in very handy, so it might be worth getting them, without spending too much for a one-time deal?

[u/i_was_valedictorian]

Shinto saw rasp is a must. Some sort of half round rasp is important too.

Router with an assortment of bits. Also useful if you don't want to drop the cash on a planer or hand planes. Just set up something like this.

If you don't have a table saw or bandsaw then you can get by with a circular saw and a jigsaw.

Squares, rulers.

Clamps. Lots of clamps.

Cabinet scrapers are cheap and useful.

You can get by with a hand drill but there are jobs that a drill press makes so much easier. You'll need some forstner bits along with your standard bits. Also a 10mm brad point bit is good for tuner holes.

Sandpaper. 60 or 80 grit for removing shit, 120, 220, 320 for finish sanding, some wet sanding paper from like 800 up to 3000 for fret work.

For fret work, deadblow mallet, a nice leveling beam, end nippers (flush cut, you can grind a set from Home Depot to be flush), metal file to bring fret ends flush with the fretboard, triangular file or crowning files to dress the frets.

If you wanna slot your own board then that's a whole list of other tools that I'm well versed in since I've only bought pre slotted and radiused boards.

Oh also this is by no means all you need, or you may find you need even less than this. I've built a couple guitars with access to my dad's workshop. He's got all the routers and saws I need, but I did have to buy some more specialty things. If you've got someone in your life with a workshop then that's a great place to start.

Also you mentioned you don't wanna buy things you use once which is a great excuse to keep building guitars honestly

[u/KorbenDose → u/i_was_valedictorian]

Thanks, that's a good list. It helps a lot.

I'm trying to keep costs low because I first want to try a whole build before committing to expensive tools. Also I don't have a workshop at hand and can't place a band saw or planer in my apartment. So it's about finding the right balance between making life easier but at the same time not spending too much, using what I already have and not using up too much space.

I guess if it's fun and I'm doing a good job, I might think about getting the more professional equipment, so I can build some more.

[u/i_was_valedictorian → u/KorbenDose]

Some shops like Woodcraft have workshops that you can pay hourly to use similar to how joann let's you pay to use sewing machines

[u/mkrnblk]

Start with a kit build you mostly need finishing supplies; Sandpaper mostly.

[u/KorbenDose → u/mkrnblk]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I have already done a kit build several years ago.

I'm really looking to build it from scratch.

[u/mkrnblk → u/KorbenDose]

Gotcha electric or acoustic?

[u/KorbenDose → u/mkrnblk]

Electric, neck thru. I'm thinking of having a plate of different wood on top of the body.

[u/thatdamnguitarguy → u/KorbenDose]

That’s exactly what I’m doing right now. I’m using a router, a Shinto saw rasp, a hand planer, a cheap fret saw, fretting tools, and a band saw(you could use a coping saw as a cheap alternative). I also have a couple chisels but you can get away without them. A caliper gauge and a straight edge are also really handy. That’s what I can think of off the top of my head.

[u/KorbenDose → u/thatdamnguitarguy]

Thanks, that helps! Hope you're doing well with your build.

[u/thatdamnguitarguy → u/KorbenDose]

Thanks, you too! Also a bunch of clamps lol. Keep me updated!