re: Looking to start woodworking as a hobby, any advice for a beginner?

Been woodworking for about 3 years now and my favorite tool is the Kregg Jig. I have the small version and it gets used on every project.

Remember, always check for square.

I'm also just getting started with the hobby. I recently bought a table saw and a router along with a few miscellaneous hand tools. My advice would be to think about how you're going to join your pieces prior to starting any project. There's a ton of different types and methods to achieve joints out there.

I just went and got some cheaper stuff to make sure that I was into the hobby. I've built a few tables and shelves, and I'm currently building a cutting board.

I got a Ryobi table saw for $115. This one LINK.

The blade sucks on it, but it cuts straight and works well once you take the time to get it all adjusted. You won't be flying through, moving the fence, making perfect cuts but if you take the time to make sure everything is lined up and square, it works just fine.

I also got a hand planer I've been messing with on some scrap boards. I'm trying to get the hang of it before I start throwing together a butcher block work bench from scrap wood.

Best advice: Call a buddy over, offer him beer. An extra set of hands will go a LONG way while you're trying to learn the ins and outs of working with wood and your tools.

Failure is not only an option, it's a certainty. Brush it off, learn something, use the scrap from the fail to make something else.