Tools Needed and Preparing to Build

In this thread I will be sharing with you the step by step process to building your guitar.  It is my intention that this thread will serve as a definitive "how to"! I want to acknowledge the input of my good mate and fellow luthier Phil Andrew also known as Dingo Bass (DB) for his contributions to this material that is presented in this Blog.

The thrill of playing your own instrument is hard to match. If you have never built a guitar before it is advisable to start off by building a Kit Guitar before attempting a "scratchie", that is, building a guitar from scratch. I recommend http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au as the place to start.

Tools You'll Need For Building An Electric Guitar
We thought it might be helpful to list the tools you'll need for building a Pit Bull Guitar Kit. DB and I have divided the list into Three categories, which are:

-What you can get away with, 

-Nice to Have and 

-Really Nice to Have. 

What you can get away with tools

1. You can build one of these kits with a few basic tools
2. file or fine rasp
3. Pit Bull Sandpaper (180 grit to 240 grit)
4. Steel wool
5. Drill
6. Drill bits, from 2mm and 3mm
7. Clamps, G type or Irwin Quick Grip
8. Wood glue (for set neck kits)
9. Screw drivers, both phillips and flat head
10. Long straightedge (600mm rule) and tape measure
11. Soldering iron
12. Electronic solder
13. Clean rags
14. Pencil
15. Eye protection
16. Wire cutters
17. Small allen keys for bridge
18. Tuner

If it is your intention to only build one or two kits with the most basic of tools and without outlaying funds on specialist tools then skip forward to the next section on this thread.
However, if you want to get the absolute best out of your kit, and particularly if you want to turn this into a hobby you might want to acquire the following:

Nice to have:

1. Random orbital sander
2. Drill press
3. 1" x 2" sanding drum
4. Helping hands alligator clamps
5. Portable clamping workbench
6. Clamp lamp
7. Digital callipers
8. Multi meter
9. StewMac string rule for nut building

Really nice to have

1. 12" Radius sanding block
2. Fret crowning file
3. Set of nut files
4. 4" x 36" bench top belt sander
5. Oscillating spindle sander
6. Dust extraction system
7. Buffing station
8. Large workbench with a vice for holding small parts