This is tough! Best advice, look for bargains. But for basic woodworking...
1. Bench saws.
Possibly sacrilege - a good RAS, tuned up, with a well-designed table, is capable of performing almost everything a TS and CMS/SCMS can do together. I went many years and projects with a RAS, some smaller power tools (circular saw, sabre-saw, router) for cutting, until I felt the "need" to add a TS and CMS, which was mainly for the ease of having certain functions dedicated to each machine. A good used RAS can usually be found for under $150; new, starting ~$650+. Add a good blade - another $50 to $100.
However, as TS and a SCMS are ultimately part of every woodworking shop, These can be had at various prices, but I'd aim for ~$650 for both (which obviates the RAS).
2. Small cordless power tools. I'd go for a kit that runs off the same batteries, like the Ryobi 1+ line or Craftsman C3 - I find the drill/driver, sabre-saw and trim-saw to be the most useful. I reach for my trim-saw before my corded CS for cutting most sheet goods - ensure you have a good blade and cutting guide - I recommend the AIO type guide. The sabre-saw is great for curve cuts you can't do on the BS. Combo sets vary, as does price by brand, but I'd plan for ~$250.
3. Router combo (fixed & plunge base). $100 and up. Also need a table, but that can be made (and might be a good first project.)
4. Sanders - for various needs, ROS, Spindle, Disc - probably another $250 minimum altogether.
5. Some kind of dust collection - can be a $100 shop vac with good HP, up to real DC for $$$.
Look for bargains, since some budget should be allocated to measuring and hand-tools, as others have suggested.
1. Bench saws.
Possibly sacrilege - a good RAS, tuned up, with a well-designed table, is capable of performing almost everything a TS and CMS/SCMS can do together. I went many years and projects with a RAS, some smaller power tools (circular saw, sabre-saw, router) for cutting, until I felt the "need" to add a TS and CMS, which was mainly for the ease of having certain functions dedicated to each machine. A good used RAS can usually be found for under $150; new, starting ~$650+. Add a good blade - another $50 to $100.
However, as TS and a SCMS are ultimately part of every woodworking shop, These can be had at various prices, but I'd aim for ~$650 for both (which obviates the RAS).
2. Small cordless power tools. I'd go for a kit that runs off the same batteries, like the Ryobi 1+ line or Craftsman C3 - I find the drill/driver, sabre-saw and trim-saw to be the most useful. I reach for my trim-saw before my corded CS for cutting most sheet goods - ensure you have a good blade and cutting guide - I recommend the AIO type guide. The sabre-saw is great for curve cuts you can't do on the BS. Combo sets vary, as does price by brand, but I'd plan for ~$250.
3. Router combo (fixed & plunge base). $100 and up. Also need a table, but that can be made (and might be a good first project.)
4. Sanders - for various needs, ROS, Spindle, Disc - probably another $250 minimum altogether.
5. Some kind of dust collection - can be a $100 shop vac with good HP, up to real DC for $$$.
Look for bargains, since some budget should be allocated to measuring and hand-tools, as others have suggested.
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