New Builder

[Larry B]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and new to building guitars.

Last week, I purchased my first KMG Basic “Success Guitar Kit”. This was a big deal for me a newbe. However, Ken was extremely patient and helpful to me throughout the selection and purchasing process. Thanks again Ken! My kit will arrive within the next few weeks. I want to get prepared and purchase the Required Builder Supplied Items. I would appreciate any suggestions on where's the best place to purchase the Required Builder Supplied Items? Also, any other recommendations on getting prepared to do a first build would be very much appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help!

[John J]

Welcome Larry!
Tools and supplies can be had from numerous sources. I purchased most of what I need from eBay and Amazon and other online sources.
Advice? Don't rush to the end. Read Ken's online manual. Then re-read it. Go back to it again and again (I'm still referencing it). Ask Ken any questions you have along the way. Ask us. And have fun.

[Dave Bagwill]

Hi Larry, welcome.
+what JJ said

[Larry B]

I appreciate the reply!

Thank you JJ and Dave!

[dave d]

Hi Larry, welcome to the forum! In my experience here, I've found many folks on the forum who have deep knowledge on any topic related to building, and are very happy to help. Don't hesitate to ask questions at any time. While you are waiting for your parts to arrive, check out the building logs, as this will give you an early look at what to expect. Many are very nicely documented with great photos. And as previously mentioned, start reading and re-reading the online manual. It can seem overwhelming as there is a lot of information to take in, but the reality is that the overall build will be broken down into many discreet tasks, and you just have to focus on one task at a time, make sure you understand the goal before beginning (especially before cutting) and then proceed.

dave

[Kevin in California]

Larry, are you talking tools, or are you talking finishing materials? Isn't Ken's kit pretty complete? What else do you need?

[ken cierp]

From the KMG "Success Kit Package" info page

Required builder supplied items
KMG Basic “Success Guitar Kit” ©

Subject to change without notice

24" x 24" x 3/4" flat MDF or Plywood for work board -- cut to slightly oversize profile
36 – 2 ½” deck screws
40 -- #6 x 1” pan head sheet metal screws
½ lb 1 ½” finish nails
4 – 4” C-clamps
4 – 6” Bar clamps
6” length 2 “ diameter PVC pipe
Masking tape – 3M Green 3M Blue
12” x 12” piece of felt
50 – spring type clothes pins
# 32 rubber bands
1 package 3 x 5 cards
Tack hammer
Small block plane
Trim router – should have rack and pinion adjuster – Grizzly HD
Small portable electric drill
2” sanding drum and assorted grit sleeves
Course grit flapper wheel
3/16” drill bit
1/4” wood chisel
Fine grit diamond file
¼ “ rat tail file
Dual grit wood rasp
Mini hobby file set
Exacto razor saw – fine blade
Exacto razor saw miter box
Exacto knife regular blade
12” -- 30/60 drafting triangle
Titebond Original glue
Thin CA glue (super glue)
3M 77 Spray glue
MDF scrap for sanding blocks
Saber saw, jig saw or coping saw