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Thank you! These are the tiles I used (2 sets). They have a few advantages over normal scrabble tiles. They're perfectly square (.75 x .75 in instead of .75 x .85) and they are a bit thicker (1/4 in instead of 1/8). I haven't played a full game yet, but in the tests I've done they stand up really well, even when I shake the board around a little. I just tried putting an actual scrabble tile on my board, and while it stayed standing better than I expected, the thicker tiles fared better. Even still, the unfinished scrabble tiles have their advantages. I wouldn't have had to cover up one side with paper and staining would have been infinitely easier. Optimally I think the best option would be unfinished .75 x .75 x .25 square pieces, but I couldn't find anything like that on short notice. The scrabble tiles should work to a degree so long as you don't shake the board around too much or play outside on a windy day, but scrabble tiles really weren't made to stand up. All that said, I'm just extrapolating from the few little things I've tried, so I'm not sure how they would fare in a real game scenario.

For this kind of thing, if you don't have access to or can't afford power tools, I like a hand scroll or coping saw such as this one ($10 free shipping): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002X222/ because you have a great deal of control, the cuts are thin (less wasted material) and the tool is light weight.

You can also use a standard hack saw ($8 Prime): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5A0T5K/

For manual sawing, I also recommend using a basic miter box. This one includes a clamp too, and can be screwed into something to keep it from moving on ya ($10.75 Prime): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OYGB/

If you don't have a sander or a dremel for the edge smoothing, you can just use sandpaper by hand, but with all things manual, to make and finish 62 pieces of anything will just take longer.

Do let me know if you make a set for yourself! I'd love to check it out. :)

Edit: fixed a link and added miter box

Yes, it depends on what you are after. If you are interested in the Rothfuss fictional side of things, then the companion book is what you want. If you want common terms for board analysis/strategy, my book has some suggested terms. But, if you are just looking to casually play, you can ask for specific definitions here or on the Discord.

I have this lego pirate chess set. https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Pirates-Chess-Set-40158/dp/B00TTS8RS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525440793&sr=8-1&keywords=lego+pirates+chess The board would work pretty well for Tak I think.

Just let me know what works for you guys and I'll make it work

Edit: picked up a few of these hoping they will work as place holders https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008B38YDS/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

Nice idea! I just bought two different-colored bags of Scrabble tiles ( http://www.amazon.com/Scrabble-Tiles-Professional-Scrapbooking-Crafting/dp/B00JLGTQ68 ) and so far my only complaint is that they're just a tiny bit slippery when stacked. On the plus side, since there're 100 tiles per bag, I've theoretically got enough for two 8x8 games.

Not as cheap as Starburst, but I have a set made out of foam tape cut into squares. (After I backed on Kickstarter, I was too impatient to wait for my set.) You want 1/2" thick tape, so that it stands as a wall nicely. The only tool I needed to use was scissors. You'll need two different colors of tape, and you should leave the adhesive untouched, or it will get unreasonably sticky fast. (If that happens, I recommend rubbing some dust or sand onto the tape so that it is no longer sticky.) Example option in gray: https://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Products-2311-Density/dp/B000052030

I used one of these

So, there are three Tak Strategy guides in existence that I know of. One of them is the book published by rabbitboy84 called Mastering Tak: Level I and one of them is the short guide written by the number one player, NohatCoder here. The final one is a blog that went on for a while called Tak Traveler.

Personally, I feel that Nohat's short guide really hits some important points and helped me go from crappy to average in Tak. I haven't read the other guides, so I have no input on them other than that they exist.