On starting out... The temptation will be strong to buy all the tools that look good to you. Been there, myself. May I recommend you take a course, if one is available nearby? Keep a list of the tools you reach for, and buy those. I like a 3/4" Marples chisel (nothing special Sheffield steel, secondhand) for most of what I make. I do NOT mortise by hand as it aggravates my elbow. Jim Tolpin's "The new Traditional woodworker" is a great starting point.
