It begins with the saw. The cutting of wood into plans, the sizing of the work. My first saw is a big hand saw. It does "eat" a lot of material. And because its so large, its more suited to larger work.
The drill as well, I always had. This hand-held battery-powered drill has been an excellent tool. The battery life is impressive. And, of course, if the job involves screws, the drill is essential. Hand drills were a thing, though, in the engineering days. But, they used to really struggle in hard woods.
I bought the set of files while making the flute/meditation seat. To get some bevels on the planks. So, the wood becomes holdable. But, it turns out what really consumes wood better is rasps - for very rough filing. In fact, with a good rasp, quite a lot of material can be eaten.
Finally, sand-paper, to give it the final smooth finish. I got a set of assorted ones. To know that all the working with the saws and rasps is finally going to be smoothened by sand-paper is always a satisfaction.
For the second project of the rustic bench, I felt like I could have done better if the sawing ould be more controlled and precise - in angle and alighment. That way the need for rasping/filing decreases. So, now I have ordered a better smaller hand saw - for this kinf of precise sawing.
And finally, looking at the stubs and their sorry square shape, I feel I need the wood-plane. Actually, for this purpose, IK had got the chisels first. But, chiselling, though very satisfying is loud work - with the constant mallet hammering. I should not annoy the neighbours too much
Oakwood and other hardwoods - are so difficult to work with. Handsawing takes much longer. Chiselling is difficult - prone to cracking along the grain.
I think, for now, I will stick to softwoods. Easier that way to learn the techniques and tools.