I have a brick fireplace with stone pieces mixed in between the bricks. This makes for a very uneven surface. How can I prepare the surface to completely tile over the fireplace and install a mantel. What tools will I need to rent or buy? Thanks for any help.

This will not be the easiest propject due to the uneven surface. You will need to cover the fireplace with Hardibacker or wonderboard. To keep the board flat and even you need to install firring strips and shim to level. 1/4" Hardi backer should suffice, glue and screw it to the firring with the special screws for backerbopard, 1 1/4" long. You would then tile the backer just like doing a shower wall, I'd use modified acrylic thinset to set the tiles, grout with a stainless grout.