Ok - things I would think about for tools.
First a good marking gauge. Get one that uses a wheel, not a blade, as blades can track grain and create a wobbly line. I would suggest the following -
http://www.leevalley.com/...5849&cat=1,42936 Also, a set of striking knives are very useful as they will give a cut line to set your chisel in. - something like this -
http://www.leevalley.com/...42936,42949&ap=1 The Lynx is a fine saw, but like BC I use mostly Japanese saws for all my hand work now.
Chisels - you can go crazy here, but I do most of my work with the general bevel edge from Lee Valley - Narex makes a comparable set - I like the bevel edge for two reasons - it gets into corners a bit easier and if you are paring you have a little less resistance. I have been using this set for nearly 20 years (set of 5) =
http://www.leevalley.com/...41504,43500&ap=1 I also use a deadblow hammer (unless I am carving)
Sharpening is another long involved story. You can invest a ton in various types of stones, gauges and guides. I know do most of my bench tools with a Work Sharp. Except for carving and lathe tools it does everything I need, and I will get some of those attachments when needed. Vastly less expensive than a Tormek. Once you true up the blades, an occasional touch up is all that is needed.
Benches. First figure out the size you will need. They generally range from 60-84" length. Since I do large cabinet panels I go longer. Most folks would be best with a 72". You will minimally need a front vise. Make sure you get one that uses the apron flush with the edge of the bench. Most basic steel vises will be an inch or so proud of the edge, and edge planing long boards is a pain without supplemental support. Some form of tail vise is also useful for working with long stock. You will want to put in 3/4 inch holes for bench dogs, stops or holdfasts. If you don't want to go the holdfast route, Leigh tools makes a good surface clamp -
https://www.leighjigs.com/hold-down_clamp.php Mass in a bench is important - you will be pounding and planing, so stability is a must. Make sure all the leg joints are strong. You can do good mortise and tenon, carriage bolts, cast iron legs, whatever. You will be looking 1200-2400 to buy a good bench with vises. It will cost you at least half that to build your own, assuming you are set up to do all your own milling.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Edit to add - bench height can vary a lot on what you are doing. There are companies now that are making hydraulic height adjusters for workbenches. You may want to think about this. I always have a smaller, lower bench for finishing, but beyond that at 6'2" like a slightly lower bench so I can put my weight into things - too tall and I find it harder to work.
Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/ Creating custom made furnishing to your requirements