I'm in the same situation as you. I do this kind of work just rarely enough that don't invest a whole lot in tools.

It was a tad pricey at $30 each but these metal saw horses have been a great investment and I use them all the time. Very adjustable and heavy enough that they make a very stable platform. Then they fold up flat and lean up against my garage wall. http://www.homedepot.com/p/34-in-Adj...3801/206261852

My neighbor got a cheaper table saw a while back and I don't think I'd recommend it. It's too hard to get the fence at a true right angle and the measurements always seem to be a tad off. I think investing in a better circular saw and the right guides would have been a better choice.

For the joints I can tell you that making them with a handheld router is near impossible to do well as an amateur.

That's all I got. Hope some of it helps.