Could anybody point me in the right direction with regards to building a workshop. I would like to know which tools I should buy first e.g. a table saw, band saw, etc.
Well, this will depend a lot on exactly what you intend to do. And, knowing exactly what you are going to do is not possible, because once you try something else, you need tools for it. For a general wood shop, Id suggest these, in this order,a) 10 inch Tablesaw, contractor style, or cabinet saw, NOT a benchtop model.b) Equally important is a good quality blade for that saw, a combination blade will get you started, look to a freud or forrest blade.c) A miter saw, sliding compound miter is best, check out the Makita LS1013, or Hitachi also makes a good one (and again, another good blade is important). d)Router with 1/2 inch collet, bits to go with it,and if you can afford it, a table mounted router is priceless. e) a bandsaw, Jet Delta and Grizzly all make good ones in the 14 inch models.f)A planer (I have a Ridgid 13 inch planer, its a workhorse).g) a drillpress.h)a good scroll saw, stay away from any of the ones under $200, I really like Dewalt.i)a wood lathe, youll be amazed at the fun this tool will be. j) a disc sander, 12 inch would be nice, and if you can afford it, a combination belt/disc sander is even better,k) a jointer, stay away from benchtop models.l)a thickness sander, the Performax is great. Many of those tools need some type of dust collection, so a dust collector should be one of the top priorities as well.
Some necessities I didnt mention are equally important, like clamps, you never can have to many of them,a good square, straightedge,and tape measure, hand tools like drills, sanders,etc. Most important…. a pair of safety glasses, good old fashioned common sense, and all the other necessary PPE.