The best thing about visiting someone's shop is you can see what equipment and how they are using it.
A lot of guys make their own belt grinders and that is neat to see. You're gonna have to figure out how many you need and which angles you want to work. I use three.
You could probably start with 4k in tools. More or less if you shop constantly for equipment to find good deals used. And there are good deals on used stuff. I found a terrific old bandsaw for less than 100 bucks. I found an old US Navy bench grinder on a steel also.
I like Bender grinders. Lathe. Mill.
Remember it takes time to collect all the tools, so don't let that discourage you. Meet people in the trade, they will lead you to more deals and contacts for supplies. Plan on making money from the start to recoup your investment in tools at least. A lot of guys make their money back first by putting out a lot of fixed hunting blades for 100-150$. A 154 cm 4" general purpose knife sells like hot cakes at a gun show.
