Can anyone provide me a list of the basic tools that I need to get started. Being christmas time I figured the best way to get started is to ask family members to purchase some of the less expensive items for me for gifts. Then I can purchase the more expensive items as I can afford them.

I am mostly interested in making furniture items, and some craft stuff. I also want to be able to use my newly developed talents to help in remold work around the house. I have no experience and know this will take time to develop. I also need the advise of others who have already made the mistakes so that I can avoid them.

Assuming that you want to be a Normite (i.e. you are a power tool junkie) then some less expensive items that you will find handy (but not necessary since all power tools do is save you time - you can build anything with only hand tools - it will just take you longer):

1. A random orbit sander. Paying for variable speed is IMHO not worth it.

2. A palm quarter sheet sander (for getting into those corners).

3. Depending on your definition of "less expensive" the PC690 fixed base plunge base combo kit for $200 is about the best 'first' router deal on the market.

Now for some hand-tools that even a Normite needs to use every now an then:

1. A set of Marples blue-handled chisels.

2. Several mallets; wood, rubber, plastic, etc.

3. A block plane (a Stanley works great - save the $$$ you would spend on a more expensive brand for a table saw).

4. The 3" Incra ruler. Use mine all the time.

5. Any kind of sharpening stuff; stones, oil, jigs, etc.

And there is always safety:

1. Ear protection.

2. Eye protection.

3. Leather gloves that cinch at the wrist.

The four BIG power tools you need to get are:

1. A table saw. Try to get the best you can afford. At a minimum a Jet/Delta Contractor saw with at least a 30" fence. You will outgrow anything else quickly and wish you had bought a 'real' saw to begin with DAMHIKT.

2. A drill press. Again get the best you can afford. You will keep this thing the rest of your life for crying out loud.

3. A jointer. Get a full-sized 6" jointer at a minimum. Stay away form the bench jointers. You will outgrow it and again wish you had bought a 'real' jointer.

4. A dust collector. Yep. A dust collector. You will be amazed how much saw dust an 1/8" kerf while ripping a 3/4" thick board that is 2 feet long will create. If you don't collect that stuff it will end up in your lungs and everywhere else in your shop.