I got a cheap router on ebay for $40. I got a $29 black and decker jigsaw, and I have a $15 drill. I also have a real nice dremel that was given to me as a Christmas gift a few years ago. So far, I've made my body. I've made some mistakes along the way, but they were my fault, being too impatient, not from a lack of tools. However, I will say, that after the jigsaw took its turn cutting out the body, it took me over a week to hand sand the sides. After doing it for 4 hours. I finally went and bought a rasp and a file, and took as much wood off as I could, but still had to hand sand for another 4 hours or so. My point? If you are willing to put in the time, you can get a nice guitar for just a very small investment in tools. However, if you are one who is impatient, or willing to settle for "good enough", you will be disappointed in your end result.