[Cory]

I have advice about what not to use.
1. NEVER EVER use flat head screws unless you absolutely have to. They will strip almost immediately, and are a huge pain to deal with.
2. I can't agree enough with not using permanent loc-tite. Sooner or later, you will need to remove that loc-tited part, and it wont be fun to take it off.
3. This should probably be number one, but try to avoid using setscrews as much as possible.
4. Try not to use metric and english allen-headed bolts on the robot, it can be very annoying to search for the right wrench.

Now the things you should have:
1. I really think a drill press is important. it makes accurate drilling so much easier. You can get them fiarly cheap. I believe you can get a 9" model at sears for <$99.
2. Bandsaws are also good. You can get a Ryobi model for around $99 also.
3. A Jigsaw is useful if you have no bandsaw, or it is not practical to use one.
4. get lots of clamps. You will not want to weld/drill holes in things and bolt them together before you even know whether that is going to be ints final configuration. clamps can save you costly errors in this way.
5. This isn't really a tool, but buy LOTS of sharpies. You will be amazed at how fast you will lose them, and how often you will need them.

Thats about all I can think of that hasn't been mentioned