Reply by Loren

Get a planer.

Build a work bench.

How are you going to make the mortises?

Chisels work and there are different types. I have a lot of chisels
and can’t seem to stop acquiring them. Mortising machines work too,
and there are two major types: hollow chisel and slot mortiser –
one of which you can build yourself. Then you get into loose tenon
vs. mortise and tenon. Tenoning can be a pain but it is an essential
legacy skill you can avoid if you like by using biscuits or loose tenons
or whatever. I recommend learning how to do it before you become
addicted to “cheating” on tenoning.

A fine bandsaw can help with tenons and all sorts of other things.