In reading the rules on magic item creation I see no mention of specific tools to be used. All is said is that a place suitable for preparing spells is also suitable for making magic items. I would imagine by RAW there none but my GM has been upset at the lack of roleplay involved in that so I'm wondering if it's common or if there are common set of tools to improve magic items. Does this vary from GM to GM or is there a "standard set?" Or, is this simply hand-waved ala "I got the tools when I spent the gold to improve the item" kind of thinking?
Thanks!
The basic rule is fairly open. You may need to have Artisan Tools or Masterwork Artisan Tools and one of those should cover it along with a quiet place. Nothing else is really spelled out in the rules.
That being said what you need to make stuff will vary by what you are making. If you are making potions the items you need are different then what you would use to make scrolls. A cloak may only needs a supply of cloth with needle and thread plus a quiet place to stitch your runes or whatever. Making a suit of magic armor could require tools to heat or etch the metal.
It is important to note that you are not usually making the item from scratch... but most DM's would say you still need some form of workbench, anvil or forge to enchant armor/arms even if you have a store bought masterwork item to start with.
To bring in some context to my character: I'm playing a bonded (ring) witch. All I could see needing are those tools, yes? I realize anything final is up to my GM.
For a bonded item I would say you just need time and space... plus the gold. They are a special item and not really the same thing as making normal magic items. It is a class feature and you should not be penalized for using it IMHO. But the rules do not back that up really as it is left open.