I thought it'd be fun to start a thread about tools we use all the time, but might be less common than other tools. We all know how useful bandsaws, chisels, etc. are but there's a whole world of tools that don't really get mentioned.
For me that tool would have to be the Veritas detail palm plane by Lee Valley. It's adjustable so you can fine tune the grip for your hand. I find it perfect for shaping bracings after gluing them in. I use strips of basswood that I glue in unshaped then use the plane to bring the height down and taper the sides to a point on the top. I then do a couple of passes to round off the top edge. After shaping I use a chisel to taper the ends. The small size and comfortable grip make it a very pleasant process. They offer 4 different versions, but I've only used the flat one. I don't see the others being too useful for uke work. Out of the box it needed a bit of honing but that's pretty typical. Until recently I did the same job with a small block plane which is more versatile, but I'm glad I have this in my tool box now.
Link to product: http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/Page.aspx?p=67716&cat=1,230,41182
For me that tool would have to be the Veritas detail palm plane by Lee Valley. It's adjustable so you can fine tune the grip for your hand. I find it perfect for shaping bracings after gluing them in. I use strips of basswood that I glue in unshaped then use the plane to bring the height down and taper the sides to a point on the top. I then do a couple of passes to round off the top edge. After shaping I use a chisel to taper the ends. The small size and comfortable grip make it a very pleasant process. They offer 4 different versions, but I've only used the flat one. I don't see the others being too useful for uke work. Out of the box it needed a bit of honing but that's pretty typical. Until recently I did the same job with a small block plane which is more versatile, but I'm glad I have this in my tool box now.
Link to product: http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/Page.aspx?p=67716&cat=1,230,41182