Like many, I've been creeping on this form long enough to buy a bike and chop it up. Also like many, I have a limited amount of tools and money. As a thank you to everyone who takes the time to post up solutions to common problems, I thought I'd post up a pic of a great do it yourself tool.
When disassembling forks, you need to buy a 17mm hex bit (like used on some VW/Audi oil plugs) which can be found for $5.00 online or in my case (in Canada at PartsSource or Princess Auto). Others have chopped up or welded a 17mm socket.
Instead, you can take a common 17mm bolt (found everywhere on the bike) and attach a 17mm nut and acorn nut (also found everywhere). Tighten the two nuts together and attach to a long series of socket extensions and voila!
The pics will do a lot better job than I at explaining!
AS A TIP, USE ELECTRIC TAPE TO HOLD THE BOLT INSIDE THE SOCKET SO IT DOESN'T COME LOSE INSIDE THE FORK TUBE.
Let me know if you have any questions, good luck!