These are just a few of my thoughts and observations. I will add more to this list as I think of things and have time.

Equipment:

Don't buy the least expensive tool. Do your research and buy good quality equipment that will meet your needs and last.

A table saw is a good example. This will be the workhorse for most workshops. You need a table saw that is powerful enough to meet your needs AND gives you consistent precise cuts.

Size can matter. In the case of a bandsaw, I initially bought the 12" Jet and it performed very well. However, many after market items I wanted to add to the bandsaw were not made for 12" bandsaws. Also, the 12" bandsaw limited my resawing capability to 5-6" inches.

A 14" bandsaw would have allowed me to use the after market items for about another $200.00. But, to increase my resaw capability would have required the 16" (10" resaw capability) or the 18" (12" resaw capability). But, both of those are very expensive saws new.

Fortunately, I was able to find a realively new 16" Jet Bandsaw on Craig's List for $750.00. The original owner had it for about a year and just didn't use it and wanted to get back some of the money he put into it. I then sold my 12" bandsaw for $150.00. So the upgrade only cost me $600.00.

A similuar story on my scroll saw. Originally I had a Craftsman and browsing Craig's List I came across an expensive Dewalt that someone was selling very cheap.


Safety:

Undoubtedly the most important issue in a workshop.

Fortunately I have all my limbs and digits. But I have had a few close calls, which I will not repeat.

Be aware at all times where your hands are in relation to the cutting blade. I was making a bandsaw jewelry box, which required cutting some curves out of a block of wood 10" x 6" x 5". I had laminate several boards together to get this size block. The bottom two boards of the block where slightly shorter than the top three, which didn't matter, since that would be trimmed off after cutting out the shape. However, it did matter as I was holding/guiding/feeding the block though the bandsaw. The blade exited the bottom two boards before it did the top three, since they were shorter, and cut my thumb.

Use the correct tool for the job. I was using the router table to cut some 1/4" wide dados 1/4" deep in some 1/2" thick wood. The bit I was using was a 1/4" up-spiral bit. Using this bit to cut dados led to the bit overheating and breaking; which I should have known. When the bit broke it burrowed its way up through the wood and into my thumb; which was where it should not have been to begin with.

Make extensive use of featherboards, jigs, fixtures, and push sticks to keep yourself safe. One of the best items I have is the 'GRR-Ripper' system. I actually have three of these. They are great for use on the table saw, bandsaw and router table.

Always wear proper eye protection and dust masks and provide the same for any visitors to your shop while you are working. I have several different dust masks and respirators to meet different needs.