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Here's a suggest tool list, taken from CLC's web site.
Tape measure - This is the most often used tool in your shop. Get a good quality 25' tape. String line or chalk line. Small handsaw - We like the Japanese style saws that cut on the pull stroke. A small back saw, dovetail saw or other small saw will also work. Block plane - Any plane must be kept very sharp to work well. In fact, the sharpness of the iron is much more important than the type of plane you use. An inexpensive plane is okay. Drill and bits - You could use an old eggbeater type drill or even a bit and brace, but these newfangled cordless drills are pretty neat. On the other hand, if you want to economize, you can get a lot better drill for the money if you buy the plug-in type. Buy an extra drill bit of the size needed for drilling tie holes. Screwdrivers. Pliers. Wire cutters - These are for cutting the wire or electrical ties. The diagonal cutter type are by far the best. Sharp knife - A regular utility knife. Small hammer - 12 oz. or 16 oz. Sawhorses. Dust mask or respirator for sanding and painting. Safety glasses - please wear them. Clamps - You'll need at least 15 clamps, 30 is better. Get at least a few spring clamps that can be used with one hand. Rub soap, wax, or grease on clamp threads so epoxy won't stick to them. You can make your own clamps from PVC drain pipe (see the shop tips section).
Optional Tools
These are nice to have if you are not starting from a kit.
Saber saw - This is one tool for which it really pays to buy the best. Most boat builders seem to prefer Bosch saws, but we use Porter Cable saber saws and really like them. Carpenter's square - The standard 24" roofing square will do. Staple gun - An Arrow T-50 is the standard. Electric sander - The random orbital type are the most versatile. We've had the best luck with Bosch and Porter Cable sanders. The Makita quarter sheet sander is a bit slower than the random orbital type, but it's inexpensive and seems to last forever. A big 7" grinder is also nice to have, but it takes a lot of skill to use one without destroying the boat. Table saw - They are nice to have if you're building from scratch. You can probably use a neighbor's saw or have the lumber ripped at the lumber yard, but try to talk your spouse into letting you buy one anyway. Chisels - don't buy cheap chisels. Mallet. Marking gauge. Bevel square. Trammels - These are like a giant drafting compass and are handy for laying out radii when building from scratch. Even more clamps.
Supply List
Sandpaper (80, 220, and 400 grit). Disposable foam brushes - the type with wooden, not plastic, handles. Disposable bristle brushes - also called chip brushes. Disposable foam rollers - these must be the short nap yellow type that are also used for applying lacquer. Never use the black foam rollers. Epoxy metering pumps or measuring cups - metering pumps are included in our kits. Stirring sticks - popsicle sticks. Disposable gloves - It's far more economical to buy a box of 100. Plastic sheet or wax paper.
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
