Tools for my first build

[SirFrancis]

So, I just got a Kibler kit. (I know, I know, these are supposed to be so easy that “build” is really sounding pretentious.) And I’m not very experienced with woodworking, so it’s not like I’m sitting on a lifetime accumulation of good old tools.

If you were setting out to procure tools good enough to do the job right, but also not needlessly expensive just for the name, what would you buy? Links to specific items would be appreciated because although I’d love to just go load up at Lowes or hit up a few garage sales, I am not sure if the former is up to snuff these days and the latter might take me years to find what I need.

Specifically, what mallet, files, and chisels?

Also, if you have any recommendations for carving tools and finishing tools that would be great also. And anything else that would be really worthwhile that you’d recommend for this project.

Here’s the link to Jim’s suggested tool list. Recommended Tool List

 

[Phil Coffins]

Things that aren’t normally suggested, very good lighting in a place that you can work! Stones to sharpen your chisels to scary sharp! A main spring clamp. And watch Jim’s videos and his tool list.

 

[deerstalkert]

more seldom mentioned. a good set of gunsmith quality screwdrivers. wheeler set is a starting point. better would be better.

 

[1BadDart]

more seldom mentioned. a good set of gunsmith quality screwdrivers. wheeler set is a starting point. better would be better.

^^This^^ I bought a set of Wheelers a few years ago, one of the best firearm investments I've made.

 

[waksupi]

more seldom mentioned. a good set of gunsmith quality screwdrivers. wheeler set is a starting point. better would be better.

Even with a good set, you will always be buying new bits for them. I work on a wide variety of firearms, and grinding a bit to fit a screw properly is very common. Poorly fit bits bugger screws. I've ended up making my own turnscrews for the half dozen most common size screws and bolts.

 

[SirFrancis]

I have the big wheeler interchangeable screwdriver set. Bought it for my unmentionables last year and it was a game changer for sure. I also have some brass and steel punches I got from Brownells or Midway.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

A good vise with leather lined jaws.
A stand to hold up the other end of the stock is a must have. I made one out of an old microphone stand.
Eye magnification. I like the kind that connect to my glasses.
As already mentioned lighting is very important.
You won't be doing a lot of inletting for a Kibler unless your adding something like a thumb piece of hunters star so one good narro chisel or gouge will do the job. I'd go with a 1/2 or 2/2. You can make your own chisels out of old screw drivers, pieces of broken hacksaw blades etc.
Maroon Scotch Brite.
A drill press really makes drilling those pin holes easier. You can make a center finding jig out of a bolt from the hardware store.

Here is my build post that might help:
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...s-arrived-its-going-to-be-a-fun-build.130128/

 

[deerstalkert]

in addition to the good screw drivers a duplicate set of screws help. one for the constant assembly/disassembly and the finish screws.

 

[Bucolic Buffalo]

This recent gunsmith class at WKU, I found the new Grobet pillar files to be the most useful thing I bought. I bought four different cuts. 6, 4, 2, 0 If I had to do it again, I would add the 00 and 1 cuts and skip the 6 cut. Get handles for these. They are smaller than I am used to. Have a good brush/file card to clean them.

You will still need a larger file or two for initial stock work. And a good selection of small files.

Deadly sharp chisels. You may only really need one. What you may think is sharp probably isn't close. There are books on sharpening chisels and I intend to get one. Most people may find that they use their chisels to square up a few inlet corners and scrape debris from the CNC machining. I needed to use one a bit more this build.

Mallets. I saw all sorts being used. Round, square, big, small. They all work. I have a fairly large square mallet and then a well used small rawhide hammer for more delicate work.

I have a Brownell's set of bits and screwdriver. We didn't break any bits.

Ed Wenger (our instructor) wore a set of what are probably jewelers glasses. They looked better quality than the common cheap headband things. But all those work, if you can stand to wear them. A jeweler supply would be a good place to look.

A quick clamp is real handy. Those metal and plastic/rubber things that you can put on and off quickly.

Chuck up your wire pins in a drill and round off the ends so you don't damage your stock. A fresh cut wire end can act like a drill and cut it's own new hole in your stock.

Jim Kibler has great videos. There are other builders doing videos. And builders here are posting what they have done. Watch and read everything.

 

[Sidney Smith]

A good quality Exacto type knife, not some cheap Walmart junk. Nothing makes fine cuts easier than a sharp thin

 

[Buckskinn]

Do a search bud, lots of information here.

But one of the most helpful tools that I've found other than chisels and such is a vise and has to be this one...

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-patternmakers-or-gunstock-carving-vise
Good price too.