A status report on the construction of the drift chamber for the KLOE experiment at the LNF DAΦNE Φ-factory is given. Physics requirements, detector design performance and its key mechanical features and components are briefly reviewed. The program currently consists of (i) the preparation of final detector components, complemented by (ii) extensive tests of prototypes of critical mechanical parts (like the end plates) and the “test construction” of a 1:1 chamber prototype. These two sub-programs are pursued in parallel. Single-component prototype checks include surveys of their shape and size, of accuracy of wire-hole drilling, measurements of their displacement or buckling under nominal load. The “test construction” is the debugging of mechanical assembly, survey and alignment of mechanics and of wire-stringing robotics, the actual stringing of a sample 2000 holes drilled on the prototype end plates, the measurement of electrical properties of strung wires, as well as of their mechanical tension. These extensive tests have been successfully completed; they represent an effective hands-on training of the construction group, and will allow a prompt and steady start of the drift chamber wire stringing as all necessary components became available at LNF.