Before plunking down any money for tools, get started building a good library. By buying books on basic techniques and also on subjects you are interested in, you will learn the proper way of tackling your desired projects,safety issues and books will tell you what tools to use for certain procedures. Only buy tools as you need them. That way you know you need it and you can budget your money better.
- woodchuck1954

Go to your local community college and they'll have "woodworking 101" type courses to get the basics under your belt. Then start by doing and amassing your tools. Hang out here and at other forums and pick up tips and techniques. The days of the apprentice program are pretty well gone.
- MadMark

The best place to get the basics under your belt is in a structured environment like a community college. Additionally, you will (probably) get the chance to work with very good machines and have SAFETY drilled into your head relentlessly. One other option - or even better: addition - is to hook up with your local woodworkers guild or club. You'll find a great group of folks and develop a network of contacts with centuries' worth of experience.
Chris Moore

I'd recommend buying nothing more than a cheap pocketknife (lock blade, small to medium size) and a good Arkansas sharpening stone. For material, look in your backyard, local park or forest. Find wood that is dry to work with. Any dry old branch will work. Start "whittling". This is how I learned.
This will teach you SEVERAL things that you will help throughout your love of wood if you stick with it. One is how to sharpen a tool, and the importance of using a sharp tool. Soon after you tire of the "cheap" blade, I would expect you to get a higher quality one, something like a Schrade+. You will notice that this one holds an edge longer, so even though it costs more initially, is worth the investment.
Also, by virtue of "whittling", you are bound to slip and cut yourself. I have several scars from this myself. I still have the scars, because I learned that tools that cut wood, cut ME!!! I learned to work SAFELY.
Also, pay attention to the wood you are "whittling". Some will be soft and easy to cut-others nearly impossible. Find out what type of wood is what. You will also probably notice that some have different "layers" that are hard/easy to cut. People that just go directly to power tools often miss this minor detail.
- GlennS

Generally you should buy as you need. Start by selecting a nice "Beginner" project and buy what you need to do that. Then build something else and if you need a new tool, buy that. After a bit you'll have most everything you need for the type of work you actually do.
Don't buy the cheapest nor the best initially. Get a good middle of the road item. After time you'll learn what features you actually need and maybe you'll grow into a top of the line tool. Also, this limits your $$$ outlay in case you decide you don't really like it.
There are tons of discussions on the "Best this or that". Read what is here in the archives. Take a look at other shops, here's mine.
- MadMark

Start with books. Basic woodworking books to start,then graduate to books on subjects that interest you. Start with simple projects,using only hand tools. If you don't know anything,start with a precut kit that needs assembly. Books will not only tell you how to build projects,but also what tools are needed. Only you know which direction of woodworking you want to go. You will find a lot more details and diagrams in books than any forum. Books are better than mags.
- woodchuck1954

You should become familiar with a couple of news groups. You've found this one, also check out rec.woodworking. To search rec.woodworking try groups.google.com . Another source of inspiration is are the TV shows "New Yankee Workshop" with Norm Abrams and the "Woodwrights Shop" with Roy Underhill. Both have a couple of books out that are quite good. As for equipment it depends on what you want to do, how dedicated you are, your financial resources, and what style you wish to work in. Most of us use both hand tools and power tools to get the job done so our tool arsenal is likely to include a new table saw as well as an 80 year old Stanley hand plane. Both are very well suited for particular tasks. If you can explain further we can provide a more directed response
Steven Wilson

Which magazine for beginner?... ALL of them! Read as much as you can get your hands on...use the Library if you don't wanna buy them, although they make a great reference library later on... For a beginner I'd recommend WOOD or American Woodworker. Fine Woodworking is a favorite. For reading on the john, you can't beat retail catalogues...Rockler, Woodworkers Supply, etc. Become an "Information Sponge" and absorb all you can from all sources.
- Marc

Check out all of the woodworking magazines at your local bookstore or newsstand. Many have free issue offers online as well! I have to say my favorite is Popular Woodworking, but look at all of them and decide for yourself.
- nwod

As a beginner myself, yet to actually unbox my tools, I have found Wood Magazine and Fine Woodworking to be the ones that seem to me (as a beginner) to prepare the most. I also really liked the books Router Magic, The Table Saw Book, and the Complete Book of Wood Joinery. Just my $.02
- EdgeWood

Before plunking down any money for tools, get started building a good library. By buying books on basic techniques and also on subjects you are interested in,you will learn the proper way of tackling your desired projects,safety issues and books will tell you what tools to use for certain procedures. Only buy tools as you need them. That way you know you need it and you can budget your money better.
- woodchuck1954

If your still setting up your shop shopnotes is the best, I've had my shop for 3 years now and still love shopnotes, its not like your average magazine check it out www.shopnotes.com and when your ready for some really nice projects get woodsmith www.woodsmith.com
- Jeff

Look for some woodworking classes which are many times offered free through night classes at local schools (adult education) etc. Once you do that you should have some idea as to how much you want to pursue woodworking whether it be hope chests or birdhouses. If it is a serious woodworking desire, then the tablesaw is in my opinion your first purchase. When purchasing any woodworking equipment remember that cheap is not necessarily. The best. Another way to say this is "TO START WITH LESS IS TO END WITH LESS" If it is to be a short hobby, plan it so. If it is serious, plan it so.
- Kelly

As far as tools go, you do want to get something good, I personally like Sears Craftsman and Delta. Both are good quality and work very well. On mine, I have made a many projects ranging from my computer desk to yard decorations. You will want to take it at a steady pace on equipping yourself as the bench power tools can run up the bucks in a hurry.
- Gary

Jump in and enjoy, you will never regret it. Best advice on tools:
1) Take a safety class that will also let you cut some wood for your own project, as nothing beats a squarely cut and proper sized part.
2) A tablesaw is really a good investment, and doesn't break the bank, but requires a little room to use. My first major tool purchase.
Note: Elaborate tools make a job easier, and look more professional, but you can have a great project with just a hammer and a nail and a piece of wood. Always enjoy the time and the aroma of sawdust!
- RayMan

The advise about books is the best. Buy books that cover what you are interested in. It might be a good idea to start out with precut kits. Then you will get experience with hand tools.
Get familiar with completing projects with most hand tools before you start evolving into machinery. $5000 worth of tools will not make you a craftsperson, only time, education and patience will get you there.
Once you get going, acquire more books just like you acquire more tools. If you buy books on subjects that interest you, they will tell you what tools you will need. Only buy tools as you need them.
At first, don't worry about sizing lumber, you can buy already planed lumber at different widths for general projects. All you will need to do is cut to length. Keep it simple at first.
When purchasing tools, listen to your head, not your heart. Before making large purchases, do your homework and do a complete research. If you see something for sale, that seems like a ridiculous price, there's probably a reason. Unless you know what it is, its no bargain.
And finally, when shopping for tools, make sure the outfit you buy from, offers a 30 day-no-risk-guarantee...then the risk is all theirs. You would be surprised at how much a person can do with wood and with a few tools.
- Roger S. Dillman

Welcome to a most rewarding hobby:
- Your first purchase "should" be a table saw because it is very versatile... you can cut angles, rips (lengthwise) and crosscuts. Depending on your choice of saws, you'll probably drop about a thousand dollars by the time you pay the sales tax and get a blade, or two, or three.
- You'll need an assortment of basic handtools such as: hammer, nail set, tape measure, combination square, a set of chisels, channel lock pliers, needle nose pliers, various clamps, etc., etc. You can expect the expense to add up to about $300 or so for a good starter set.
- Then, for handheld powertools: sander (almost any will do at first, either a "finishing" 1/4 sheet or a small random orbit), some type of drill and a bit set or two, a router and bits, a jigsaw, and perhaps a circular saw. Another $500 or so.
IMPORTANT: Shop around! Watch the ads. Pawn shops are a great source of quality inexpensive handtools. And every now and then, you'll get lucky and find a real bargain on a hardly used powertool.
Well, now that I've spent $1800 or $1900 for you, let me suggest a few titles you may want to read first (and guess what? Another $60...)
"Woodworking Wisdom" Nick Engler
"Table Saw Techniques" Roger Cliffe
"Woodworking With The Router" Bill Hylton
These are great sources of information. You'll learn the terminology and some basic safety procedures along with many of the do's and don'ts. Many cabinet shops (mine, for one) are constantly looking for entry level, part-time employees. Perhaps you can earn while you learn.
- Robert

I don't know if buying the best tools is necessarily the right choice. That depends on how involved you plan to be .I think that some of the top of the line name brand tool can be real pricey, where some of the midrange priced tools will do an adequate job with satisfying results. Good luck. You are entering a field where it can be very enjoyable and addicting.
- Tony K

Your questions could be answered by reading almost all of the post on the Forum. I would recommend that you get a couple of good books on woodworking. Check into your local adult ed. at high schools and community colleges for classes on woodworking. That would get you some hands-on training. I would give you one piece of advice on buying tools. Don't buy any tool until you know you need it and then buy the best you can find. Cheap tools are not a bargain, they will cost a lot more later when you have to buy the one you should have at first. I would recommend the following books:
"The Basics of Craftsmanship"
"Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking"
They will give you a good overview of lots of topic.
- Lou Williams

There are many books available on this subject. One of the best is, "Creating Your Own Woodshop" by Charles Self (Betterway Books). Once you have the plan, money is the only real obstacle.
- ken sain

Books do have their place but I'd recommend you start with a woodworking course. This way you'll get hands on tuition which is the best way to learn. Once you've mastered the basics, then books can help with the details.
- Dave in Cairns

Check out night classes from Adult Education at local high schools, etc. They are cheap and well worth the time and experience you'll get. "Setting Up Shop" by Sandor Nagyszalanczy is a practical guide for designing and building your dream shop. Also, check out Norm's shop plans at newyankee.com.
- Ralph

What I would do if I were just starting is look for a class at the local high schools or junior college adult ed. There you would be able to try your hand at task and tools and decide which direction you want to try.
- Lou