You really don't need to spend a fortune to get started. But once you take on exotic, specialist or custom work ? Well you have to pony up. To quote my old boss John " That's just the way it is, first you wipe then you flush. Am I right ? "
These tools on the bench are the ones I could not do without. They do the bulk of my work. The ones I use day in and day out.
Yes, I have a lot more that I have to pull for specialised task's but you don't buy a tool generally until you need it OR you bump in to a good used one for a nice price.
Notice my work apron has pride of place on the bench too. Covered in glue snot. Made by my wife.
Just a small hinged chest pocket for six inch rule and pocket tape measure.
Hinged so the rule doesn't drop out when your bending forward to feed the jointer.
Bench is made from Jarrah. An incredibly strong stable Australian hardwood.
I've hammered that bench hard over the year's and it just takes it. Still perfectly flat 27 year's later.
Added later 05 min 03 s:
Work space. Badly needs tidying up. It's usually much better than this. Sharpening bench to the left. Tool chest behind bench of course. Plenty of natural light. Very important. 