Agree re table saws - sawstop machines are worth a look even if just to see the cool tech in action...![]()
Just thought I'd drop in a little update. Over this week I've been scouring to find good deals on what I need and have so far got;
Chisels
Tenon saw
No 4 plane
Some big B&Qs will do it.
Otherwise look for some independent timber yards.
The router isn’t ideal but it’s probably the best without buying a circular saw.
The sawstop is only useful in the US where they remove the guard as they don't have as strict safety laws. You don't need the blade to stop if you can't touch the blade in the first place because theres a guard in the way. A table saw with guard and riving knife is safer than a handheld circular saw.
If you bought the plane brand new it might take a bit of work to get it working well. There are videos on youtube that show how to do it. I'd have advised looking for an older Stanley/Record plane on ebay as these are usually much better quality than the new stuff. You can get a useable tool with a bit of work though.
If you have power wherever you will be working then I'd take the router back and get a electric one. They're definitely not a replacement but are ok for site work.
I'll be interested to see how it all turns out. Wish I had the room for a little workshop myself, but just have a tiny 10x8 shed at the moment.
I'll be interested to see how it all turns out. Wish I had the room for a little workshop myself, but just have a tiny 10x8 shed at the moment.

But something like this would start you off nicely:The sawstop is only useful in the US where they remove the guard as they don't have as strict safety laws. You don't need the blade to stop if you can't touch the blade in the first place because theres a guard in the way. A table saw with guard and riving knife is safer than a handheld circular saw.

Would recommend a second drill. Even better if you find one with a matching battety/charging system and sort 4 batteries. So useful with larger woodwork projects - either end up using one for drill and one for countersink, or one for drill and one for driver. Makes assembly MUCH faster.
Had another thought overnight - Kreg Rip cut will fit your circular saw and allow very accurate quick repeated cuts - only £40 to give you most of the benefits of a panel/table saw....
Just a thought!
https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-...SFw_D_YDWunfLREaaxm_auZe7Xv12HoxoCJj0QAvD_BwE
Why use plywood? Just edge-joint more of these same timbers and make a nice, thick, solid, heavy worktop... or face-joint, if you want it really hefty. You can plane it down every couple of years to keep it flat and square, and it'll not only last far longer than plywood but it's probably cheaper. Last plywood sheet I bought was £36 in B&Q. 12 lengths of 4x2 at 2.8m (so trimmed with offcuts for other things) was maybe £15...My only concern is cutting the plywood for the bench top. The legs and frame will be made out of some timber which I can cut just fine with my saw and mitre box if needed but any tips for cutting plywood straight by hand?
Why use plywood? Just edge-joint more of these same timbers and make a nice, thick, solid, heavy worktop... or face-joint, if you want it really hefty. You can plane it down every couple of years to keep it flat and square, and it'll not only last far longer than plywood but it's probably cheaper. Last plywood sheet I bought was £36 in B&Q. 12 lengths of 4x2 at 2.8m (so trimmed with offcuts for other things) was maybe £15...
Lay them face down along two sawhorses and plane the faces lightly.My issue is joining them all flat if I can get around that I'd rather the 2x4s
Sash clamps
Grip clamps and quick grips
Chisels
Rubber mallet
Couple of spirit levels, one long one shorter and a little one: 30mm ish
A combination square
Steel rules, one long one short
Drill bits, flat and Brad point
Bradawl
Lots of sandpaper in a range of grits
Cork sanding block.
I think that’s enough![]()