I’ve got 30 years of collecting tools. My favorite is a 25-year-old Milwakee right angle grinder, great for metal work but somewhat irrelevant for model making. But if I had to prioritize a list:
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Cutting tools - #11 xacto, foamcore xacto mentioned above, a good scissors, needlework scissors, hack saw blades, maybe a tin snips
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Measuring tools/straight edges - 48" ruler, 24" ruler, 12" ruler, machinist rule, caliper, 45/45/90 triangles, 30/60/90 triangles, circle templates
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Shaping tools - sand paper, lots of sand paper, rasps, jeweler’s files, file set
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Basic hand tools - hammer, screw driver set, pliers, open-ended wrench, box wrench set, rachet set
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Small power tools - printer/copier, cordless drill (and bits), Dremel set, palm sander
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Large power tools - band saw, belt sander, drill press
That’s about the order I would do. YMMV