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

Best things Harbor Freight has for woodworkers....

18 Gage Brad nailer. It's $20..... I've shot 1000s of nails with mine with no issues.

6-36" bar clamps. Again no issues. They are very inexpensive. Some pro woodworkers say they bend under alot of pressure. I've never had that issue. I say if you putting extreme pressure your joints suck. The quick adjust clamps are junk. Don't waste your time.

The yellow Aluminum I beam level is pretty good.

There's A red corner clamp that I have 2 of that are pretty decent.

Framing squares are decent. Spend a little extra at Lowes and get a good speed square.

As far as the clamp previously mention to make straight cut you can do that with 2 pieces of plywood glued together.

Speaking of glue..... Get use to using it, it works. I reccomend Titebond 2 for most applications. If its going to stay outside of exposed to water use titebond 3.

Here's the other thread...LINK /