Pro-shop Repairs - Time Saving Tools?

[Ground Pounder]

What kind of tools do you guys use that are real time-savers in the shop, especially for basic setup and measurement (I'll include fret work and nut / bridge setup as well.)

I've been looking at the Stew Mac catalog for some ideas, and I did notice a couple devices that I thought might save 5-20 minutes for each setup:

1) Neck Relief Gauge - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...ng_Puller.html

Expensive investment for a "ruler" job, but could be a pretty nice tool to make myself. However, not sure if this would be necessary once I build my neck jig.

2) Knob and Bushing Puller - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...ng_Puller.html

Safer than the "yank it out" approach with hand/pliers/etc. Seems like a nice tool.

3) Understring Radius Guages - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...us_Gauges.html

Faster than the "math approach" with a standard over-string radius guage?

4) String Spacing Rule - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...cing_Rule.html

Again, faster than the "math approach" - and a little harder to make myself.


Any feedback is appreciated, thanks!

[Zooberwerx]

Heck, I'm embarrassed to list the "tools" I use for set-ups but, then again, I only do my own gear. OTOH, I've read recently that a handful of established builders (TB members / contributors at that!) use the cheap stuff, too. Of particular interest was the builder who, to this day, shuns real nut files in favor of conventional precision needle files (Taylor's Do-it, Lowe's, Harbor Freight, etc.).

Riis

[Jazzdogg]

I'm eager to read about shortcuts or noteworthy performance increases that may be disclosed in this thread.

The tools I use are rudimentary; my eyes, basic layout and measuring tools, a straight edge, a tuner, assorted screwdrivers, hex keys, pliars, and so forth. Aside from the occasional use of some of my woodworking tools, the addition of an inexpensive multi-meter and basic soldering tools takes care of most of my set-up and repair needs.

I've seen lots of products in catalogs that seem to offer time savings or precision in exchange for cash, but as whiz-bang as some of these gizmos may be, I haven't found any of them mandatory for the kind of set-up and repair work I've undertaken.

Woodworking and finish work are a horse of a different color - I won't even speculate about how much cash I've spent in that realm.

[Magic Ownz]

Hey the Neck Relief Gauge link is wrong, just to warn about that.