The first thing that you need is a place and means to work. Space I am sure you have already. You can start as simple as you want but there are a few very essential items. You need a good checkering cradle to hold the work, you can build your own. Then a good light source to both illuminate the work and give you shadows to judge how the work is progressing. One old tooth brush to keep both the cutter heads clean and the work cleaned out. The basic starter kit will have almost everything you need. A few extra tools can be added later if you keep at it. Magnification is always a help if you have it. Your eyes may be better than mine but fatigue from eye strain is no joke. Them fuzzy little lines seem to run together after awhile.
I learned by first chasing old stocks which need checkering re-cut. Then simple patterns later. Now I have an electric cutter, just like the big boys. Use it for about 90% of the job but the fine detail areas are all still hand done. I have watched others who do 99+% of the job with the electric cutter. They are my hereos.
