Reply by AlaskaGuy

Well there are probably many difference scenarios depending on list of things like, what you want to build, budget, space and many others.

It’s my personal opinion in the beginning you should go for a table, planer and a jointer. One reason I recommend this is because I went quite a few years before I got a jointer. In hindsight I wish I’d got a jointer long before I did. Yes you can build a lot of things with out a jointer. Have properly milled lumber just made laying out joint much more accurate. Personally I would not pass up a jointer of a drum sander. I have a small Bridgewood wide belt. I’d give up the wide belt any day over giving up my jointer.

Once you get those 3 power tools and you want to move forward I look at a handsaw and the maybe a drum sander or wide belt sander.

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!