Reply by RGtools

If you don’t already own one a solid combination square (Starrett makes the best) is an important tool for both hand and machine work.

As far as a first project pick something that needs to be functional but does not need to be perfect (a small step stool would accomplish this). If it fills a need in your shop or your home, you will look at it everyday and learn from it. Years from now you will look at t and see just how far you have come. A workbench is good too, but if you are going the power route it can be avoided until you can dream up the bench you want. Build a strong set of sawhorses instead.

-- Make furniture that lasts as long as the tree - Ryan