Official Luthiers Forum!

What would you put on your shortlist - tools to get you started?

Here's the rules:

Only 1 machine
Only 3 "luthier specific" tools
As many local store tools or self made as you like
1 reference guide

_________________
nigel

http://www.theluthierblog.com

Bandsaw. Probably the most useful of the machines.
Luthier specific? bending iron, popsicle stick for rosettes, gamil or purfling cutter. Thickness caliper. Go bars. That's it. I can't think of any other Luthier specific tools that I use. Out of those only my thickness caliper is a commercial tool. The rest are home made.
Minimum in planes: No. 5 , Block Plane/ Stanley 102. You don't even need a thumb Plane.
Chisels: 1 ", 1/2 ", 1/4 ", maybe a 2 mm made from a needle file.
Knife and scalpel.
Tenon saw, Coping and Zona saw.
Set square.
Sliding bevel.
4 or 5 G Clamps.
Hand drill and guide.
3 or 4 Files. 1 round needle for Nut slots.
1 half round rasp.
1 Spokeshave
2 or 3 Rules.
Cabinet scraper
Couple sharpening stones.

I spent some time last night reading his book and I kept thinking how different it would be if he was to rewrite it now. It is hard to beat a place like this forum for learning.

Todd has another list floating around somewhere, but this one seems pretty comprehensive. Perhaps his recommendations have changed since 2008?

As you build more, you'll find preferences for this and that. Your methods and tooling needs will change.

There are plenty of other lists, but here's the 'bare minimum' setup for me, for an acoustic:

Machine: Bandsaw
Power tools: router/laminate trimmer, drill in a drill press stand
Lutherie tools: fret crowning file

The rest is basic woodworking/metalworking stuff (files, rasps, chisel, scraper and whatnot. The reference guide is 'The Internet'.