Daniel L.: from one wonky spiner to another, your most critical factor in transitioning to Neander is working height...if too high or too low, you'll know it. I use a #605/Hock to rough, 607/Hock to level and 604/Hock or 4-1/2/PM-V11 to smooth.
Daniel R.: Jet 6" short-bed jointer, Ryobi 10" planer. They come in handy within their capacity...my apprentices. A Delta contractor TS is sometimes used as well.
I am building a replacement base for a small but useful bench top, and decided not to use power tools. I found some very nice Doug fir 2x4s and have laminated & squared the legs to 3-1/4x2-3/4 so far, with 1-3/4x5 stretchers to follow. Joinery will be pinned M&T. The top will bolt to bearers. Pictures to follow later...