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

A GOOD tablesaw

I agree with others on this board. A good table saw is the place to start. It can do all sorts of neat cuts. Then, go to the library and get a book on table saws. It will show you how to make jigs that allow you to do things on it that go beyond mere sawing. P.S. BE CAREFUL to keep your hands away from the blade and follow safety rules and techniques. Too many lost fingers happen to those who are careless. Read the safety tips before use!!!

I've been able to get away with not having a table saw, and getting a good straight edge clamp from Harbor Freight.

If you're thinking about joining dimensional lumber together for table tops, you need a Biscuit Joiner and a Kreg Jig. These are must haves. like, dont even start the projects until you've purchased.

Here's what i have...

As others have stated, a GOOD table saw. I liken this to the landscape photography equipment advise that I used to get when I first got into that: you can buy a $500 tripod, or you can buy a $1,500 dollar tripod. The idea is that a good one will cost $500. The combination of crappy ones you will go through trying to avoid spending that $500 will end up costing you $1000 before you break down and buy the good one.

With a table saw, you can "get by" with circular saws and guides, cheap table saws and then a somewhat better table saw, but eventually you are going to realize that you need a good quality, heavy, 1-2 hp, 10-12" saw that will approach, if not exceed, $1,000. If you don't have the money now, get by with what you can afford, but definitely buy the best one you can get your hands on. A wood shop starts with a table saw. It is THE indispensable tool IMO.

Oh, and learn how to use it, how to protect yourself and don't ever try to use a table saw under any circumstance that might lead to even the slightest distraction while in the midst of a cut.

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.