Need Advice on first 12 String Canjo

[JP Lace Master]

I have recently bought a 25.5 scale 12 string bolt on neck and want to make what can safely be called a big ass canjo using it and a massive tin I have laying around and I have little to no clue on what do.

Need to know a few things:

1. what is the stringing and tuning. what gauges will work best, should I use electric or acoustic strings?

2. how much bracing do I need inside the tin to make it strong enough for the string tension (other than the block of wood I use to mount the neck on)?

3. any suggestion on amplification, are there particular pickups for 12 strings or should I just glue in a couple of Piezo discs?

4.. anything I REALLY should know before starting this.

Any examples of anyone trying something this before will be very helpful, in inspiration to bring this thing to life.

Any help, will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

[Bluesheart]

"Wear safety goggles"

[JP Lace Master]

I find that funny.

Have a hard time in goggles, can't find a pair that fit over my glasses.

What I really need is something to stop my beard catching fire when I cut the tin and don't just say lose the beard.