Don't buy a massive "beginner set." Buy the tools you need for your . Start with something simple—a tool tote or a mallet—to practice your sawing and chiseling.
Your most important tool; it must be heavy and include a solid vise. Core Techniques
What are you eyeing (e.g., small box, workbench, dining table)?
The rhythm of a hand plane curling a shaving of cherry or the clean "thwack" of a mallet hitting a chisel offers a connection to the craft that power tools simply can't replicate. While machines offer speed, hand tools offer soul, silence, and precision. The Essential Kit
A basic set (1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1") for paring and chopping mortises.
Hand tools are sensitive to wood fibers. Always plane "with the grain" (downhill) to avoid tear-out. If the surface feels fuzzy or jagged, flip the board around. 2. The Art of Sharpening