Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey guys,
Am Back with another newbie question for all u guys working with mostly handtools.
Im setting up a small workplace for myself and last time i was looking for info on different woods for building in my last post (Which i got some great info on from the members here).
So now i have a new question which i hope you guys wont mind answering.
Im still waiting for my copy of cumpianos's book whichl take like 14 days cause im in India.
so since im going to begin stocking up on some wood i was also looking at purchasing the basic hand tools that ill need. Im sticking with hand tools cause i live with my family and ill be setting up a small recording studio at home too so i am trying to restrict the noise factor and maybe also the budget. But since im in india i have a good source of decent quality hand tools as Indian carpenters have a rich history or working with their hands.
Anyways my question though is wht are the basic tools i should start buying(sizes of the tools also) and since im not sure wether they will be known buy the same names here as most of the shopkeepers arent familiar with the western names of all of them so if i could have a look at a few pics to accompany some of the lesser known tools it would be great.
Also info on other raw materials such as glues, finishing material, sandpaper etc would be of great help.
I plan on working without a mould so if there is anything i might need specially for the purpose it would be nice to know.

Thanks again in advance for any help and info.
Ankit

Ankit,
There are many here with far greater knowledge, but I'll share what I know. I recently completed my first build, which was a kit, so most everything requiring a power tool was already completed. The hand tools I found most useful were chisels, planes, files and rasps, coping and back saws, cam clamps, bar clamps, C clamps, calipers, short and long straight edges and an assortment of sanding materials. I think that's about it. The only power tool I used was a laminate router for cutting the binding and purfling channels. However, you can cut those by hand with a gramil (check the luthier suppliers such as LMI, etc.).

Your Cumpiano book includes a section on tools that you will likely find useful. You can also find a list of suggested tools and other information helpful to the novice builder at kitguitarbuilder.com.

Have fun,
George :-)

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George :-)

Thanks a lot george. As you know im in my planning phase as of now so any info is appreciated .
I plan on building from scratch since being in india it is kinda difficult to source a kit to start on but even if it were available im looking to start at the base level. I know its gonna be difficult but im willing to be patient and spend as much time as required.
so are there ppl who build entirely from the start using nothing but hand tools?
I dunno but id love to find out and would love to be able to do it myself.

You need a Knife that you can use for many tasks!
Like the guitarerros use!
There are so many available it is impossible for me to suggest one for you!
It just needs to feel good(balanced) in your hand-the blade needs to be of quality steel so you can sharpen it often!
I use planes for wood removal all the time-so a low angle block plane, and a Jack, and a Jointer plane would be useful in joining &thinning woods!
I use a 13mm chisel-a 3mm one-a 10mm one allot!
Just for brace carving as well as neck shaping -and anything you need a hard metal tool to make sure the wood your removing is smooth!!!
Scrapers!!!!!
Get some hard (thick) and thin ones!!
Learn how to sharpen them!!
They will make life so much easier!!!

I hope this helps ya some!!

mike

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Mike Collins

Maybe I'm old school, but this is what appeals to me.
I have a nice (really) set of Groz planes, made in India, set of five, from finger plane to leveling/smoothing, they work very well, are of good steel and are re-sharpened easily.
A good set of small chisels would be nice, 1/8" to 1/2" chisel tip among others. A diamond sharpening hone.
Scrapers, as Mike said, I find myself using them more times than not.
A decent router, whether a laminate, Dremel or any such size. For routing bindings, etc...1/4" shank will have many available bits. And their stronger than dremel bits. An orbital sander, Hook and loop.
A couple good rasps, course files and some fine jewelers files, (for nuts and dressing minute areas).
2 dozen small 1" spring clamps, an assortment of quick-clamp style vise clamps.
A drill press, a drum or belt sander, a spindle sander, a large assortment of 80 to 220 grit sand-paper, some sanding blocks and a couple good straight edge rulers or scales in 1/64th increments. 1/16" to 1/2" drill bits would be nice to have.
I use a cordless drill for many drilling needs. But the press is worth the money.
A small bench vise fitted with wood jaw blocks and at least a 9" band saw. A .023" kerfing back saw for frets, a decent brass or plastic/nylon mallet. Bridge pin reamer (3 and 5 degree). A good pair of side cutting pliers or snips. A good quality japanese pull saw. larger model with replaceable blade.
And most importantly, a pipe bender or side bender,
all the usual things, like a dust collector, a box of rags, small paint brushes for glueing needs, Glue, from hide glue to super glue, a couple rolls of blue masking tape, (for purfling to binding) a good eye and an imagination for creativity.
With these few things and the last mentioned, you should be able to create very nice instruments.
Feel free to send pics of finished guitars , I' d love to see what you've made.
I know I have left some things out,. but this should get you on your way.--N.C.

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Nehemiah Covey
www.coveysacoustics.com

Thanks for all that info guys. I think i have an idea of wht most i would need atleast to start.
And im hoping i start soon so i can share my progress with you guys
Cause it feels great to be here and interact with all the fine ppl.
Well yesterday was a slightly confusing day which held me back from buying some tools as i went to a cpl of lumber suppliers and found none of the wood i had in mind and out of wht was available i got confused about wether i could use any of them efficiently.
so am back on the hunt for the wood and assoon as i have a source from where i know i can get suitable wood im gonna jump into sourcing the tools.

Thanks again for all the tips and advice ppl