beezoboy

I think woodworking and math have similarities. You can learn basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and get most of the job done. In woodworking, the basics are measuring/marking tools, handplanes, chisels, and handsaws. Thats what people used for hundreds of years and built fine furniture. Not to mention homes, boats, wagons, and most everything else!

I think a solid understading of handtools and the concepts behind them would make every woodworker better. It would also make everyone appreciate whow a good powertool increases productivity, especially in stock preparation.

So I recommend starting simple with a decent handsaw, chisels, hand planes, and combination square.