To get mine going I have HAD to have the following:
Both Kuhnhausen 1911 Manuals:notworthy:
India stones, medium and fine grit (1 each, but I dropped one and had to replace it)
Arkansas stones, super fine (1 set of the four shapes)
Needle file set
Non-marring hammer or mallet
punches, brass and nylon (standard sizes)
screwdrivers and hex heads (standard sizes)
Break-Free CLP
Internet:biglaugh:
I decided to upgrade my capabilities by adding the following tools:
Sight press ($79.00) and Big-ass wrench ($4.00)
Power Custom Stoning Fixture and 1911 adapter ($140.00)
Foredom shaft Grinder ($200.00) [needed this anyway, but a corded high-power Dremel should work]
Note: Any gunsmith can fit your sights for you, grind the beavertail, and tune your hammer and sear for roughly 1/2 to 2/3 of the total I spent on the additional accessories. (I think the numbers are about there, somebody help me out here) Since I plan on building several of these, and my buddies have 1911's that need trigger work (and I am an Obsessive-Compulsive doityourselfer) I decided to buy the tools.
I have had a TON of fun building my first pistol. I have no previous experience building pistols. I have a lot of experience building guitars, though. Take your time and measure thrice, cut once. before you cut, stop and measure one last time.