my journey #2: step it up!

Well as one would expect about 5 of the 14 students in my class did not show up for the second class, which is nice considering there is only a small amount of power tools to student ratio, one planer and one jointer. Plus the smaller class led to a more one on one feel with the teachers.
I used the three major woodworking machines that I have never used; tablesaw, jointer, and planer. They were all great and now I think I need some of my own! (Which will be impossible as I live on the third floor of an apartment building)
I feel as though my woodworking knowledge has already increased ten fold with the use of these machines. The project that I am making, simple box with dovetail joints out of curly maple, should be done quickly leaving me time to begin a second project. I was thinking a nice toolbox in the like of H.O. Studley, an item I greatly need as I will be transporting my handtools to and from class on my bicycle (a 15mile round trip). I already know that the toolbox will be an ever evolving piece that will grow with my tool collection.
I have also been working on a rough version of the toolbox out of cheap pine until I can step it up with a more impressive wood. The idea of my tools bouncing around in my backpack is enough to make me step it up, I did buy a toolroll for my chisels and I made a pretty make shift case for my dozuki, the other tools will just have to wait.
I also will begin my search for some hand planes of my own, I was told that the older stanley ones are the only way to go, so I will be keeping my eyes open!
-rich

-- wood is good