beginning builder's tool kit

[Ecramer]

I was 14 when I built a CVA Kentucky rifle, and haven't done any gun building since. I'm getting ready to retire later this year, and I want to build a Kibler kit and get back into muzzleloading as a hobby. I've tinkered with more modern guns, done checkering and bluing, but I know I don't have the tools to build a blackpowder rifle as things stand.
What would you experienced builders recommend as a "beginners tool kit?" If I enjoy the build as I expect to and want to take on a more advanced project, what should be added?

Thanks in advance for your recommendation. Administrators, if this belongs in a different area, my apologies and feel free to move it.

[smylee grouch]

Go to Kiblers web site and he gives a list of tools needed for one of his builds.

[borderdogs]

What smylee grouch said.

I have only built a few rifles and have no experience with Kibler kits but if you are looking to start collecting tools to build rifles I would suggest starting with just a few tools. I built furniture prior to getting back into building rifles so I had more than a few woodworking tools and machinery. Look to finding some good chisels I like Phiel but there are many good ones available. What I found when I started to build rifles again is that I had a 3/8" flat chisel which I always went to. I use that chisel more than any other I have. I liked that size so much that I bought a second one. I can't say why I became stuck on that chisel I just found I went to it all the time. One thing I would suggest is learn to sharpen the tools you have so that they are very sharp. Figured maple requires sharp tools. There are tons of videos on YouTube and lots of different ways to sharpen.
Its a fun adventure good luck.
Rob
 

[oldtravler61]

  Smylee pretty much nails it.
Been involved in four Kibler SMR
kits so far. If they keep getting any better. All your going to have to do is, when the box comes to you. Shake it an you will have a gun. LOL
 But seriously a drill, quarter inch or 1/8 inch chisel. Sandpaper and his staining kit and a couple of files. That's pretty much it.
 Take your time putting the barrel in an out of the stock. Slim an fragile is an understatement. Plus patience !
Have fun.. Oldtravler

[smylee grouch]

Yep, not as easy as a Chia pet but very doable for just about every one. 

[Dwshotwell]

I’m like two guns further down the road but not much… and I was 15 when I built my CVA in high school, so pretty close.

All I would add is that when I started my first kit (non-Kibler, that was #2) I bought a bunch of inexpensive chisels that ended up being entire useless. I’d have been much better off starting with the good ones right out of the gate. You only need a few unless you are going to jump into carving.

Another item that I wish I had right from the start is a good vise and bench capable of holding everything steady. Others may not find it as important, but a short way into my first build I opted for a patternmaker’s vise from Woodcraft and built a solid bench where I could attach it.

[Karl Kunkel]

https://www.americanlongrifles.com/WorkShop_recommended_tools.htm

[PAFlinter]

I think I used 2 gorbet rifler files, 4 different chisels, xacto knife and scrapers to build a Kibler SMR.  don't need much.

[A.Merrill]

As long as you plan on building more guns start out buying what you need at the time but buy good quality tools. As far as carving tools buy the best,  pfeil or tow cherries. Never buy a set of carving tools you won't use buy a few from the set. Ebay often has good used pfeil and two cherries. Check pawnshops for good used files. I have found Nicholson files made in U.S. and they was cheap. Many things can be found at a pawnshop,  rubber hammer,  hacksaw frames, buy a few for different cut blades.    Al