All--
Thank you all for the response to my original post. I now realize I may have been a bit over ambitious in my desire to build my first amp. I've decided I'll make due with the FBJR for the wedding and take my time on a build.
One of my other hobbies (obsessions) is doing frame up restorations of vintage Vespas. What I have learned from that process is much like what I read hear and at 18watt.com. By the time I finish a Vespa resto (I only do about one a year) I have an intimate relationship with that machine. Every little buzz, rattle, shimmy, sputter, etc. I can trace in very short order because I re-built the scooter. Sourcing parts is much the same... "d'oh, the vendor sent the wrong carb." "I forgot to order the gasket." "That piston has been backordered for 6 months."
Anyway, I'm gonna take my time on this "first build" and do it right. I'm leaning towards an amp kit at the moment because it will allow me to really see how stuff gets done and it will come complete. I have no problem building a cabinet as my wood working skills are fairly decent, though I may have some tolexing issues. So here are my newbie questions:
1. Good reading material re: electronics/amp buiulding/safety?
2. Links for a multimeter and soldering iron.. Are these OK?
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?c ... d=22%2D810http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?c ... =64%2D21843. Tips on what gauge wire/solder to use?
4. What have I left out?
Yep, I'm a hand holder at the moment, but, I learn pretty quick (I hope).
Thanks again,
Joe