The Beginning
The beginning, where it all starts! The first thing I did was an awful lot of Internet research! Not only Jake VonSlatt's website, but others along the way, just to get a feel for what's required, both engineering and material-wise. Most people aren't lucky enough to have access to a fully-equipped machine shop - I'm not - so the research was done based on what I've already got in my workshop and what I could buy (tools) to allow me to do the job satisfactorily.
The two main websites I used for references are:
Both of which provide invaluable tips, tricks and links to elsewhere for help! Search engines are obviously invaluable, however bear in mind that the information - like any other information from the Internet - has to be taken as read and might not necessarily be true! Basically it boils down to "do what you think is right"!
So far, the main tools I'll need for the job are going to be:
Various spanners, screwdrivers and general hand tools such as hacksaws and files. These I already own, however some will need replacing. Local DIY shops normally sell these at quite reasonable costs.
Step drill(s). Jake uses this for the side supports - so far I don't have one, no doubt the DIY stores will!
Bandsaw. This is for cutting the side supports and anything else necessary! I don't have one, however a small mains powered bench mounted bandsaw can be picked up for around £100. It's not necessary, as the cuts can be made by hand with hacksaws and finished with files.
A small cutting drill. Again, not completely necessary, however I bought one (A Dremel) as I wanted one for other projects anyway. They're quite handy! Mine came with a set of small cutting discs, polishing attachments etc, which will come in handy at the buffing up stage later, so a good investment I feel!
Various drill bits and a drill press. I already have a drill press, so I'm basically OK! Along with several sizes of both metric and imperial drill bits gleaned from various drill bit sets over the years.
The materials I'll need:
A keyboard!
Some typewriter keys
Brass channel
Brass plate
Various screws, nuts and bolts.
I'll address the materials and sources as I go along (as I haven't got all of them yet!).
The last thing to remember is that this is going to take some time and could be quite expensive!! You'll need to take the time to do the work properly - and in the case of the keys, it'll be long, tedious and repetative work! Money - well, that's up to what you buy!