For your first few, I would say you are best off getting a box, and buying the neck already made. You can get AWESOME necks from Mike at
Mainland Ukes (don't forget you need a nut and saddle as well). I have found that most cigar shops will give you a box if you tell them what you are doing, but you can order them as well- I like
Thompson Cigars for that.
Here is a cool set of instructions, but they are always a little different.
Definitely join up over at Cigar Box Nation and look at their plans as well.
Hardest part is the neck joint- I use
Pete Howlett's bolt on neck method, with easy parts from the local Ace Hardware.
At this point I am kind of addicted to making them, and teaching friends how to make them, so if you get stuck- holler.
Another UU'er did a great video and gets awesome sound making a spruce soundboard on his-
here. He also has a hilarious dog-bonus.
You can also buy kits- the one from Papa's boxes seems like it would be nice, albeit more expensive for a guy who has a little time and an idle Dremel sitting around, so I do them myself.
Other stuff- CBU's are kind of quiet so electric ones are of course more fun.
$3 pickup works all right- here that is, but lately I have been making resonators from tart pans for mine.
Have fun and good luck
Dave