re: Woodworking tools for beginners

What do you plan on building? Basic set that can do trim work vs one that can do decks vs one for cabinetry are not the same. Don't know what circular saw you are getting but Makita makes superb ones. Look for 13A instead of 15A model. That said the most useful will be:

Jobsite-style 10" tablesaw
12" double-bevel miter saw
plunge router
belt sander
orbital palm sander
18-ga, 15-ga nailguns
good chisels
framing square
speed square
1/8" nailset
Set of prybars
Good straight (ripping) claw hammer
end nippers to pull nails
Torpedo, 24", 48" levels (quality matters)
Chalk line
good basic Stanley 25' tape measure, forget about those gimmicky FatMax or Extreme models.
can't have enough c-clamps, bar clamps, speed clamps, etc.
Good drill/impact driver kit and lots of bits for them.
Good carpenters tool belt setup with a seperate hammer loop.