One of the things that you learn early in this process is that you’re going to need some tools you don’t have (but since more tools are always good there’s no problem there).  One of the other things you learn is that the word “Luthier” adds at least $100 to the price of whatever it is, regardless of how simple the function might be.

So as I stumbled along I began to realize that I needed a “Luthier’s Caliper”, which is used for determining the thickness of the back, sides and top.  Being a man of the world I looked up this elegant piece of machinery wherever fine Luthier tools are sold and promptly choked on the price.  I figured there had to be a workaround, and a quick internet search turned up several DIY versions by like-minded cheapskates. 

Most use some sort of wood or plywood frame, interesting but too flexible for my NASA tolerances.  There are also versions using steel or welded angle iron and that gave me an idea: with a deep-throated C-clamp and a dial caliper I should be in business…