How many of us have wanted to build their own guitar or maybe even venutre into the luthier business, or maybe repairs business, or just wanted to fix a few of your guitars only to realize that the tools cost a lot of money?

It's not a problem for those who have extra cash laying around but for the new builder or budget minded builder it can get overwhelming. When you go to repair something other than a broken string, you will notice the tools to fix it often cost a large amount. With a little research and self educating, you can accomplish many guitar building/repairs for cheaper than you though.

I will say that before you go trying to save money on every tool out there, be realistic. There are some tools that you just can't subsitute. I'll try and offer a list of suggestions to save money. Remember if you are making or repairing, you need to do it right, or people won't come back. Don't let your tools be the reason your craft is not up to standards people are looking for.

Money saving Tips for guitar building

• Search the internet. See how others are doing it for less, and look at how much you can save. Watch videos, luthier sites, tutorials ect
• Write a list of tools you need and the prices they cost. Take each one and see if there is a way to make it happen cheaper
• See if the tool is really just a regular tool called something else. Like "Fret end files" (Regular Bastard file) or if you can make it yourself
• Borrow/Rent shop space. Sometimes the huge tool expense can be put off by borrowing some tools. some local woodshop will charge for some things like cutting a billet, joining ect.
• Buy in quantity if you can. Rememeber, you can save a lot of money on something especially if you know you will use it a lot.
• Remember there is usually a way to do it by hand. It takes longer, but you can chisel out cavities or use a forster bit instead of buying a router. (A router is best, but to get started go small) You can join edges with a hand plane, ect
• Look for cheap tools where acuracy isn't crucial. (be careful here. If you aren't sure, it's best to buy a good quality tool)

Again, if you aren't sure don't get something that you think might mess up that nice peice of wood you just bought. Back in the day guitars were made without machines, and they still can be today.

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