Help choosing basic hand tools and workbench

[m_c]

I'd be inclined to make my own workbench using some suitable wood. Basic legs/frame from something like 4x2, then top it of with something equally sturdy, like 6 or 8x1.5. You could use plywood, but without lots of bracing underneath it'll sag.
I've got a couple workbenches made from building site leftovers following the above construction, and they've handled a lot more than a 100kg!

Off course, depending on how enthusiastically Jazz has tuned the router, you may need to add a couple diagonal braces to stop the whole lot wobbling around.


Generally a reasonable set of digital verniers for measuring are good. I wouldn't say you'd have much use for squares on a CNC router. I do use them occasionally for setting up jigs on my milling machines, but with a router, I'd imagine you'll have a sacrificial board on it anyway, so screwing on a strip of wood so it's roughly square, then running a cutter down the length to get it spot on will be easier.

What you want to think about are what jobs you're going to be doing, and think through the process, and what tools/equipment you'll need at each stage.
How are you going to mount the material/workpiece?
Does the material/workpiece have to aligned/mounted in a certain position?
Will there be enough clearance for the spindle/cutter?

You'll probably want to do a search for workholding to get an idea of different methods, as there is not really one ideal way. It's more a case of experimenting and finding out what works for what you're trying to do, with the equipment available.

Tools/equipment vary for individual peoples requirements, so there's not really a generic list. I know I've got quite a number of tools in the workshop I've bought because I thought they'd come in handy, but they're still in their original packaging, which is why I'd rather not tell people what they'll need without knowing what they're trying to do.

As for suppliers, for somebody with little experience, Arc Euro Trade sells good quality reasonably priced tools. They're not usually the cheapest, but they avoid the ebay gamble of questionable quality cheap tools, and are certainly not supplying premium brand priced tools.