re: Starter tools for woodworking?

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Jointer - buy a hand plane jointer, or just a jack plane, and learn to use it. This can handle your jointing duties.

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I had an old Craftsman 4" jointer from the late 50's that I got in a bunch of stuff I bought. It had always befuddled me because it didn't work for shite. After it sat in the corner of the shop for 5 or 6 years, I decided to have a go at reworking it. I ordered brand new knives, and found a good tune up video. It took me a few hours of fiddling with it, but I got it running perfectly. I liked it so much that a while later I bought its 6" big brother and did the same thing.

A well-tuned jointer will help save your planer alot of wear and tear. Joint one face flat and put it down on the planer. It runs so much smoother. Joint one edge, and take it to the table saw.

I use a hand plane on smaller stuff, or when I want a bit of a workout. That is mainly because I enjoy restoring old planes. Hell, to stay in practice, I just pick up a scrap piece of wood, put it in the vise, and start making shavings. Using a hand plane takes practice, but it is fun. That is, if you have the time.