Jeff Mazur wrote:
I've just started into woodworking as a result of being fed up with dealing with contractors doing so-so work in my home for a lot of money.

My first project is putting up craftsman style moldings in our upstairs bath. I've chosen to mill my own wood from rough-sawn pieces, which yielded wood savings enough to pay for my used Ridgid lunchbox thickness planer and my used Craftsman 6-1/8" jointer. This has turned out to be a good beginner project as I am learning something I believe is pretty fundamental.

So, first a question: I'm finding that used power tools are a pretty great deal, especially hobbyist-grade, since so many hobbyists only use them lightly, or even abandon the hobby before long. Are there any modern tools, new ones that are new to the marketplace that are must-haves or really-great-to-haves? Sawstop comes to mind as a good example, IMO. Others?

Second question: I have a secondary interest, beyond just building things from wood, in building wooden things by hand - using no, or very few, power tools. Does anyone in the group with experience in old-timey woodworking such as this have thoughts or advice? Just to be clear, I'm no reactionary - my interest is in the charm and tradition in the pursuit, not because I think power tools are evil - I think they're great. But I'm drawn to this, as is my son, with whom I'm taking up this hobby.

Thanks for your attention, I'm having fun with this so far. At 53 it's very cool to learn new things and feel like a kid again

My perspective: Do the projects you like to do and get the tools you
need for what you like to do. If you would like to build a picnic
table, you could easily get by with a GOOD hand saw, square, good
hammer and a plan. If you need a drill, get a good one.

If you want to make toy chests, you may need a power saw or a sander.
If you find you really need a certain tool, get the best you can
afford, but don't buy a shop full of tools just because they are neat
and pretty. I got by on just hand tools for many years, then
accumulated a grinder, power drill(s) and a router. I bought a cheap
Sears router and hated it for several years until I replaced it. I
bought a cheap grinder and regretted it.

As your horizons expand and you find you like woodworking you will
gradually acquire the right tools for what you like to do.

--
 GW Ross 

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