Ray, what other items would you suggest?
- Balbag77
First off: There are woodworkers who make great pieces using only the most basic tools, and so my first piece of advice would be to not fall into the trap of "gotta have
_". That said:
You seem to be angling toward projects to out fit your home and yard. They're good projects within reach, and though they might not be high-falutin', they do give you a chance to start and build on your skills.
Apologies upfront for making assumptions about what you have or don't have.
You don't say what you have for hand tools, and some of the stuff I would get starts there.
1. A decent set of hand chisels. You can try the plastic-handled brands you can find at the box store. However, pricier brands are available online with higher quality steel that hold an edge much better.
2. A decent hand saw; you can find a decent dozuki Japanese-style saw online for a reasonable price.
3. A decent block plane; in your part of the world, you should be able to find a Stanley 60 1/2 low-angle block plane for not a lot money at a flea market. I think I paid $17 for mine and all it needed was a cleanup, a sharpening, and it's my go-to on so many projects.
4. A card scraper (do some research on how to put an edge on these)
5. A sharpening system. I'm agnostic on type (stones, sandpaper/glass, diamond stone); but you have to to be able to sharpen hand tools
6. Clamps. Clamps. Clamps. There's a gazillion different styles and you can spend a small fortune on clamps. However, you can focus your dollars and start modestly and gradually collect more and more. Pipe clamps are very versatile, cost effective, I would also buy a few small "quick grip" style clamps. In my shop, those are my most-often used clamps because they do every from glueups to workpiece hold downs, to being a second set of hands.
Moving to initial setup of the shop for hand-held power tools, based on what you didn't say you have:
1. Router; there are so many things you can do with a router. A good 1.5hp router with fixed and plunge base would be a good investment. I used to edge-joint my stock with a long straightedge and my router before i had a jointer.
2. Random orbit sander; very handy on the types of projects you described.
Other things:
1. A good straightedge clamp; I have three (24", 36", and 50"). Very useful in cutting sheet goods with a circular saw.
2. You might consider a pocket hole system. I have several of the Kreg jigs. Some woodworkers cringe at pocket holes. Not me. They have their place, and the type of projects you describe are ideal for them.
3. Decent Forstner bits for your drills.
4. Decent brad point bits for your drills.
That will keep you going for a while. Notice I didn't put any stationary tools on here. If you keep going, you'll want to go there.
Keep researching…and keep in mind there's always more than one way to do something.